Franklin Hospital will be offering a diabetic screening day from 7 to 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8 in the hospital's first floor conference room.
The purpose of the screening is to promote education and care for diabetics and/or those at risk for diabetes. The screening is free and open to the public. No appointments are necessary.
Testing being offered are HA1c, creatinine/GFR, glucose and microalbumin urine. The HA1c provides the three-month average of blood glucose levels.
The creatinine/GFR checks kidney function. The glucose test measures blood sugar levels. The microalbumin urine test is used to detect early signs of kidney damage.
These tests do not require fasting.
Franklin Hospital laboratory staff members also will be conducting glucometer verification testing.
Free blood pressure checks will also be offered, and hospital staff will be performing home blood pressure meter verification.
Podiatrist Dr. Christopher Moore from Southern Illinois Foot and Ankle Clinic will be available at the clinic to answer questions about diabetes and how it can affect the feet and lower legs.
Registered dietician Janet Porter will be available to discuss healthy eating habits and proper nutrition for diabetics.
The Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department personnel will be on-site to discuss the newly formed Franklin County Diabetic Support Group. The group will hold its initial meeting from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sept. 27 in Franklin Hospital's first floor conference room.
Franklin Hospital's diabetic screening day is being funded by a grant from the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network.
Anyone with questions about the Diabetic Screening Day should call Judy Courter, laboratory director, at 618-439-3161 ext. 357.
