Diabetes Day to shed light on disease

Panhandle Health District and Kootenai Health will host their second Diabetes Day from 3-6 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the Kootenai Health Resource Center, as part of World Diabetes Day.

More than 30 million Americans have diabetes — that’s about 1 in 10. Between 90 and 95% have Type 2 diabetes, which most often develops in people over the age of 45 but is increasingly common among children, teens and young adults.

“Type 2 Diabetes is largely preventable, often goes undiagnosed for years, and is affecting adolescents and adults alike,” said Panhandle Health diatetic student Tasha Hetrick.

Hetrick said it’s important to know the risk factors of diabetes, as well as how to detect early signs of the life-changing disease.

At the Diabetes Day event, health care providers will do free blood glucose testing, blood pressure checks and risk assessments, while vendors will provide information and resources on diabetic products.

On behalf of Eat Smart Idaho, the University of Idaho Dietetic students will do a food demo.

Attendees can ask questions about diabetes, nutrition and overall health during a Q&A session. They can also visit each booth for a chance to win a Fitbit.

The event is geared toward residents who are interested in learning about diabetes prevention, management and support, as well as those who are interested in improving their overall health.

“Everyone is welcome,” Hetrick said. “Bring your family, because having a strong support s system is so important in making healthy lifestyle and dietary changes.”