Almost 25.8 million people in the United States have diabetes, or 8.3% of the population. While an estimated 18.8 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, one-fourth are unaware they have this disease. In Wisconsin, 1.46 million adults have pre-diabetes.
Because this disease is increasing by large numbers yearly, the Wisconsin Lions Foundation and local Lions and Lioness Clubs are promoting Diabetes Alert Day throughout Wisconsin. March 25, 2014 has been designated a Diabetes Alert Day by the American Diabetes Association.
The Merrill Lions Club and Gleason Area Lions Club will sponsor informational booths in high pedestrian traffic areas. Stop in and pick up information about the effects of diabetes and how to control it. If you are unable to visit one of these booths, please take the diabetes risk test at www.diabetes.org/are-you-at-risk/diabetes-risk-test/. Remember, one-fourth of the people who have diabetes don’t know it. The earlier diabetes is detected, the easier it is to control.
The Diabetes Alert Day event will be held on March 25, 2014 at the following Merrill locations: Dave’s County Market, Walgreen’s, and Drew’s Piggly Wiggly from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Lions will be available to answer questions and hand out brochures containing valuable information.