Mulberry Lane Walgreens offering free diabetes testing

By ALEXANDRA LUNDAHL, DAILY SUN

Monday, November 27, 2006 8:52 AM EST

THE VILLAGES — Americans age 60 and older are increasingly vulnerable to diabetes — 10.3 million of them already have the disease, according to the American Diabetes Association — and Villagers realize they are in an at-risk population.

Nancy and Jim Smith, president and director of The Villages Diabetic Support Group respectively, emphasize the importance of regular testing and education.

“There could be as many as 30,000 diabetics around us,” Jim said. “So that’s why education is so important — so we can have a vehicle for them to use to get the help that they need.”

It’s also important for people, both with and without diabetes, to be tested regularly, Nancy said.

A Villages Walgreens, having recognized this need, offers free monthly diabetes testing. Testing will take place from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. today through Wednesday at Walgreens, 8591 SE 165th Mulberry Lane. The store also offers cholesterol, liver function, H. pylori, thyroid, PSA and blood type tests for a fee.

Recognizing how important it is for people to have access to this information and the convenience of this testing, Walgreens offers this service, according to Ted Johnson, the store manager.

“It’s just a convenience for the customers so they don’t have to get a doctor’s appointment,” Johnson said. “This way they can get checked and do their shopping at the same time.”

Belinda Trocke, the medical services director of Cholesterol Check, the company that provides the Walgreens testing, said it is important for everyone to get tested, even those who don’t have diabetes.

“So many people end up with adult-onset diabetes. A lot of times people don’t have to,” Trocke said, “if they know ahead of time or if they knew they had a problem. A lot of times they don’t know until they have symptoms. Many times just being aware that their sugar is a little bit elevated will entice them to make some changes, and those changes can make a significant difference.”

Numerous problems accompany diabetes beyond the well-known higher blood-sugar levels, including problems with their feet, Nancy said.

“If you have a sore or cut, it doesn’t heal as quickly as normal, and it could become infected or worse than that,” Nancy said. “A lot of diabetics have amputations because you’re not aware. If you have a cut on the bottom of your foot, it doesn’t bother you. You don’t feel it until it’s too late, sometimes.”

To help prevent this problem, the Smiths and their support group are trying to get a local shoe company to sponsor diabetic shoes that are covered under Medicare, Jim said. These shoes have a special insole that cushions diabetics’ sensitive feet from rocks and other things that may cause cuts or sores. Additionally, the insoles provide excellent support, Nancy said.

The Smiths encourage Villagers to frequently test their blood sugar levels, eat healthfully and exercise regularly.

“It’s important to get tested on a regular basis,” Nancy said. “It’s a way of control.”

Alexandra Lundahl is a reporter with the Daily Sun. She can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9071, or alexandra.lundahl

@thevillagesmedia.com.