St. Francis Medical Center Supports Diabetes Alert Day

St. Francis Medical Center, a member of the Healogics network, is supporting the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Diabetes Alert Day on March 26.

Diabetes Alert Day represents an important reminder for all people to assess their possible risk for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin. This results in unhealthy blood sugar levels leading to a variety of medical complications. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include heredity, age, diet, inactivity, sedentary lifestyle and obesity.

“Diabetes is a serious disease and it’s important that everyone understands their risk,” said Louis G. Fares II, MD, Medical Director of the Wound Care Center at St. Francis. “It can cause heart and vascular problems, as well as kidney and eyesight issues. Many people with diabetes also develop wounds that are slow to heal or never heal. Keeping diabetes under control can greatly reduce the risk of complications, and that can lead to a longer, healthier life.”

“An estimated 30.3 million people in the U.S. have diabetes,” says D. Scott Covington, MD, FACS, CHWS, executive vice president, provider education and engagement for Healogics. “Of those 30.3 million, nearly 24 percent are undiagnosed. Diabetes Alert Day helps shed light on a national epidemic.”

St. Francis’ Wound Care Center recommends that everyone take the Diabetes Risk Test which was developed by the American Diabetes Association. This test evaluates common risk factors and creates an unofficial score to help you determine your level of risk for type 2 diabetes. To take the Diabetes Risk Test, visit www.diabetes.org/alert.

For more information about type 2 diabetes risk factors and co-morbidities, contact the Wound Care Center at St. Francis, at 609-599-5566, for an appointment. St. Francis Medical Center is located at 601 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton, NJ