Diabetes fair set Thursday night

Schneck Medical Center is sponsoring a free diabetes awareness fair from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday in its auditorium in observance of American Diabetes Month.

Diabetes is said to be a silent killer with many becoming first aware of the disease only after they have developed one of its life-threatening complications, including blindness, kidney disease, nerve disease, amputation, heart disease and stroke.

The fair’s goal is to educate the community on diabetes and to raise awareness that serious diabetes complications can be prevented.

One out of every three children born today will face a future with diabetes if current trends continue, the hospital said in a news release.

In addition to many educational booths, Teresa Branham, certified pedorthist at Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center, will speak on diabetic foot care.

About 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of diabetic neuropathy, which can lead to lower limb amputations.

For information, call Lisa Harrison, RN, CDE, at 524-3365.