Morris Hospital Hosting Diabetes Awareness Event in November
In recognition of National Diabetes Awareness Month, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers is offering a free diabetes awareness event on Monday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Channahon Healthcare Center of Morris Hospital, 25259 Reed St., Channahon. The event is for anyone interested in getting screened for diabetes, as well as those who have already been diagnosed.
Free blood glucose screenings, hemoglobin A1C blood testing and retinal scans will be provided, along with diabetes education and an opportunity to meet and talk with Morris Hospital’s endocrinology providers, Dr. Nuzhat Chalisa and Jennifer Greggain, N.P. Reservations for testing can be made by calling 815-467-0555, but walk-ins are also welcome.
The blood glucose screening is a finger-stick test that provides instant results indicating whether a person has diabetes or prediabetes, meaning the blood sugar level is higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes. A 12-14 hour fast is recommended prior to the screening for accurate results.
The hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) test is a simple blood test is being sponsored by the Morris Lions Club and measures a person’s average blood sugar levels over the past three months, specifically identifying the amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin. This is a common test used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes and is also used to measure how a person is managing their condition.
Trained nurses will conduct retinal scans to test for diabetic retinopathy, an eye condition that results in damage to the blood vessels of the retina due to diabetes. The scans taken at the event will then be sent to Ortiz Eye & Hearing Associates where they will be reviewed free of charge.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body metabolizes sugar. According to American Diabetes Association, in 2015, 30.3 million, or 9.4 percent of the American population had diabetes. Of those, 7.2 million were undiagnosed. While there is no cure for diabetes, proper management of the condition can often help avoid serious health complications including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower-extremity amputations.
As endocrinology providers, Dr. Chalisa and Jennifer Greggain specialize in diagnosing and treating individuals who have pre-diabetic and diabetic conditions. If you have any questions or concerns about diabetes or prediabetes, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please call 815-467-0555 or visit www.morrishospital.org/endocrinology.
