Diabetes Expo slated for April 9

Julie Severn

3/28/2002 12:00:00 AM

The Second Annual Diabetes Expo will take place on April 9 at the Soaring Eagle Resort Conference Center between 1 and 6 p.m.

Each year an average of 25,000 people go blind from diabetic retinopathy, a disease of the blood vessels in the retina. However, 90 percent of these cases could be prevented through an annual dilated-eye exam.

Diabetic retinopathy often goes unnoticed since there are no initial symptoms, according to Diabetic Educator Tammy House, RN. She said the disease is not accompanied by pain, blurred vision or inflammation.

"We hope to motivate people with diabetes to take control of their health by keeping all of their medical appointments and to make sure their health care providers have the needed exams and tests done yearly," she added.

Free eye exams are just one of several health screening tests available to area diabetics during the expo.

There will also be a variety of health screenings available for blood sugars, cholesterol, hemoglobin A 1c, blood pressure and kidney functions. Foot examinations will also be offered. All community members are invited to take advantage of the free health screenings.

About one in five diabetics seek medical attention for ordinary foot problems that can eventually lead to serious complications. Routine foot care can prevent most related difficulties, added House.

The local Michigan Diabetes Outreach Network, EDCON, will be presenting informational sessions at 2 and 4 p.m. on self-management of diabetes, as well as prevention and treatment of health-related complications.

This year's effort to educate a portion of the nearly 16 million Americans with diabetes will also promote healthy eating, exercise, mental health and self-management.

Local merchants and pharmaceutical companies will also have product and care management information available at their booths.

Since diabetics have a higher risk for heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and blindness, the more carefully they manage their disease, the more likely they are to reduce their risk for other serious health problems, she also said.

Diabetes Support Group meetings take place on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Nimkee Memorial Wellness Center.

For more information, contact House at (989) 775-4654.