Commissioners to make proclamation on diabetes awareness

Monday, March 13, 2006

by Sherry Greenfield

Staff Writer

The Frederick Board of County Commissioners plan to issue a proclamation Tuesday declaring March 28 American Diabetes Alert Day.

Roughly 7 percent of the U.S. residents suffer with diabetes, but nearly one-third of those who have it are unaware, reports the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

American Diabetes Alert Day is held annually on the fourth Tuesday of March to encourage people to find out if they are at risk for diabetes. The commissioners plan to make the proclamation at their 8:30 a.m. meeting.

The new Frederick Diabetes Coalition plans to attend the proclamation reading. In January, the coalition met for the first time, in order to bring more awareness to the disease. Risk factors include obesity; family history of the disease; age over 60; and Hispanic, African-American, Asian-American or Native American origin.

Once diagnosed with diabetes, individuals can take action to manage the disease and reduce the potential for complications.

Anyone interested in participating in the Frederick Diabetes Coalition may contact Mary Snyder at 301-631-3397 or at msnyder@fredco-md.net.