Holiday closure Monday May 28: Most county offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.

Got questions?

E-mail: Health Matters

Phone: 206-205-5017

To promote early detection and effective management of diabetes, the county is partnering with the American Diabetes Association to bring free health screenings and education to employees.Are you at risk for diabetes? Find out at free health screenings

It is estimated that more than 150 employees and their spartners will develop diabetes in 2010 and even more will become pre-diabetic. Currently, over 1,300 employees and spartners are being treated for the disease. To promote early detection and effective management of diabetes, the county is partnering with the American Diabetes Association to bring free health screenings and education to employees.

Left unmanaged, the effects of diabetes can be serious. Complications can include blindness, lower-limb amputations, heart disease and kidney damage. The costs associated with treating unmanaged diabetes can be staggering. The cost to treat someone who enters end stage renal failure, which can result from years of poorly managed diabetes, can be as much as $322,000.

The good news is that early detection and lifestyle changes can help you lower the risk of complications or avoid getting the disease. Use the American Diabetes Associations’ Diabetes Risk Calculator to see if you are at risk for diabetes. If you are, get screened. Even if your risk is low, screenings can be an important way for you to monitor your health.

There are two opportunities in April for you to get a free health screening:

King County Diabetes ID Day

Thursday, April 2, 2009, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. — Chinook Building, rooms 121 & 123
Attend this free event to get information about local diabetes related resources, attend an educational seminar, and receive no cost health screenings (including blood pressure, BMI, blood glucose, and cholesterol). The diabetes health fair and seminar are open to all employees but the number of health screenings is limited. Please pre-register to receive a health screening.

Diabetes Expo

videoIcon
Watch the video

Saturday, April 18, 2009, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — QWest Field Event Center
Attend this free event to receive no cost health screenings (including blood pressure, BMI, bone density, blood glucose, cholesterol, foot screenings, and vision), attend educational workshops and participate in cooking/fitness demonstrations.

If you are concerned about your diabetes risk and cannot attend either event, talk to your primary care physician about your diabetes risk factors and ask to be screened.

Want to register for a free health screening during the King County Diabetes ID Day event?

Click here to fill out and submit the registration form.

Who should be tested for pre-diabetes and diabetes?

The American Diabetes Association recommends testing to detect pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes for adults without symptoms who are overweight or obese and have one or more additional risk factors for diabetes. In those without these risk factors, testing should begin at age 45.

Risk factors for pre-diabetes and diabetes include:

  • Low physically activity level;
  • African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, or Pacific Islander race/ethic background;
  • Family history of diabetes;
  • High blood pressure;
  • History of diabetes during pregnancy;
  • Low HDL (“good”) cholesterol or high triglyceride level;
  • History of polycystic ovary syndrome; or
  • History of cardiovascular disease.