The American Diabetes Association Hawaii will provide simple diabetes risk tests for the public, legislators and staff members from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the state Capitol as part of a national "Alert Day" awareness effort. Diabetes tests are offered
as part of awareness effortThe national "Alert Day" will
take place at the state CapitolStar-Bulletin staff
The test involves seven questions that can quickly evaluate a person's risk factors for developing diabetes. People with high scores will be encouraged to contact their doctor.
The association also will distribute several thousand Risk Test brochures to physicians, pharmacies, community health clinics and businesses.
"Alert Day is a wonderful opportunity to help educate our lawmakers and the public about diabetes," said Wendy Sefo, ADAH executive director.
She said an estimated 86,600 islanders have diabetes, but many are not aware of it and many more are at risk for developing the disease.
"The earlier people learn about diabetes and its symptoms or find out they are at risk, the earlier they can seek proper medical care," she said.
In many cases, she said, education and care can prevent diabetes from occurring.
Chevron Hawaii's Walk for Diabetes, March 29 at Kapiolani Park, also will increase awareness of diabetes.
On Alert Day at the Capitol, Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii will offer free blood glucose screening, the National Kidney Foundation will donate screening kits and the American Heart Association will provide free body-fat assessments.
Pharmaceutical companies such as Aventis, Bayer and GlaxoSmithKline will offer information on diabetes programs.
The "Ask a Doc" program on Alert Day will have endocrinologists, podiatrists, dietitians, pharmacists, optometrists and diabetes educators available to answer questions.
Entertainment will be provided by Jake Shimabukuro and the Queen's Physician Group through its "Music Is Good Medicine" program.
Miss Teen Hawaii America Michelle Tkatch, Mililani High School junior, will be present, and Terry Vesperez will emcee.
Alert Day has traditionally been held in downtown Honolulu, but was changed to the Capitol this year to share the seriousness and rising costs of diabetes-related health problems with lawmakers.