Past events found more than 25 percent of participants were at-risk for diabetes
Walgreens (NYSE, NASDAQ: WAG), the nation’s largest drugstore chain with more than 70,000 health care service providers, will offer free blood glucose and A1C testing at more than 1,700 stores and Take Care Clinics nationwide Nov. 12 and 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The free diabetes health testing events, held in conjunction with American Diabetes Month®, are offered at most 24-hour Walgreens stores and Take Care Clinic locations throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
Over the past two decades, the number of Americans living with diabetes has more than quadrupled to an estimated 24 million, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But the percentage of those with diabetes who are unaware they’re living with the disease has fallen, the CDC says, showing greater national diabetes awareness. Still, with more than 5 million Americans with diabetes that are currently undiagnosed, there’s a strong need for affordable and accessible resources for early detection and prevention.
Walgreens and Take Care Clinics conducted free blood glucose testing in November 2009 as well as last February. More than 200,000 people were tested during these prior events, with more than 25 percent testing at-risk for diabetes.
“Walgreens recognizes the need to further heighten diabetes awareness, and by offering free testing in thousands of communities nationwide, we’re providing a valuable health care resource that may save lives,” said Kermit Crawford, Walgreens president of pharmacy services. “Through these events and through interaction with our pharmacists and Take Care Clinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants, we’re providing the tools and information to improve the lives of those at risk for or affected by diabetes.”
Each participating Walgreens will host an eight-hour walk-in clinic offering a free blood glucose test, or, in most states, for individuals diagnosed with diabetes, a free A1C test. Walgreens pharmacists and Take Care Clinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants are available for patient consultations. In most locations, they will also administer the tests.
For more information and to find the nearest event, visit www.walgreens.com/findastore or call 1-877-W-and-You (1-877-926-3968).
As part of American Diabetes Month®, Walgreens will make a $100,000 donation to the American Diabetes Association.
Last month, a new report from the CDC projected that one-third of Americans could have Type 2 diabetes by 2050 if current trends continue. Nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States live with diabetes, and an additional 57 million Americans have pre-diabetes, according to the CDC.
Visit www.walgreens.com/diabetes for the latest news and information on diabetes prevention and management, plus tips, recipes and more to help people living with diabetes lead healthier, fuller lives.
