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| Vol. 23, No. 5 |
| April 1, 2001 |
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Type 2 Diabetes - A Silent Killer Although anyone can get diabetes, African-Americans and Hispanics are at higher risk of developing this debilitating disease and the other serious complications that may accompany it, such as heart disease, stroke, renal failure and nerve disease. Because of the tremendous need for diabetes education, diagnosis and treatment among minorities, the Harris County Hospital District's Texas Diabetes Prevention and Control Initiative is offering free Type 2 diabetes screenings to adults in the community. Screenings are being offered in locations throughout Harris County. Diabetes is a life threatening disease that affects an estimated 16 million Americans, but only about 10 million have been diagnosed. It is the nation's seventh leading killer, contributing to thousands of deaths each year. Type 2, or adult onset diabetes, is the most common form of the disease, accounting for 90 to 95 percent of all diabetes cases. This disorder results from the body's inability to produce enough, or properly use, insulin, a hormone needed to convert starches, sugar and other foods into energy needed for daily life. Participants will fill out a short questionnaire to determine if they are at risk for developing diabetes. If the individual is deemed at risk, he or she will be tested for diabetes using the venapuncture method. A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in the arm and is taken to a lab for testing. If the test is positive, the individual will be notified and referred to a physician for diagnosis and treatment. Assistance with Harris County Hospital District registration and eligibility will be provided if needed. Free screenings will be offered in April at the following locations: April 2, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Northwest Health Center, 1100 West 34th Street April 3 and 12, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., College of Biblical Studies, 600 Dale Carnegie Dr. April 4 and 18, 8 a.m. to noon, West End Health Center, 290 Heights Blvd. April 10, 8:30 to 10 a.m., Denver Harbor Community Center, 6402 Market St. April 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wal-Mart, 13484 Northwest Fwy. April 26, 8 a.m. to noon, City of Houston Lyons Avenue Health Center, 5602 Lyons Ave. April 28, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Missionary Baptist Church, 7034 Tierwester For more information on the free Type 2 diabetes screenings, call the Diabetes Information Line at (713) 942-3722. n
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