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For Immediate Release

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Diabetes screenings at Mercy and Unity hospitals

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. 10/09/2008--An estimated seven percent of Americans have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. However, 6.2 million (nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease.

Low-cost screenings are being offered to let people know if they are pre-diabetic or have risk factors for developing diabetes. Screenings will be held Saturday, November 1 from 7 to 11 a.m. at Unity Hospital, 550 Osborne Rd. in Fridley and Saturday, November 8, from 7 to 11 a.m. at Mercy Hospital, 4050 Coon Rapids Blvd. in Coon Rapids.

The screening includes: diabetes questionnaire; body mass index (BMI); blood pressure, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, glucose and hemoglobin A1C.

Screening participants may return Thursday, November 13 to Unity and Thursday, November 20 to Mercy from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for the educational part of the screening. Health experts will discuss what is new in diabetes management.

A nurse will contact people whose results are elevated. Otherwise, results will be available just prior to the educational presentations.

The screening test requires fasting (no eating or drinking except water and prescribed medications) for 12 hours prior to screening.

The program fee of $10 includes both sessions. Some financial assistance is available. Registration is required by calling 651-697-3333 or online at www.allina.com/classes.

Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids and Unity Hospital in Fridley are non-profit hospitals that serve the northwestern Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, the hospitals respond to a wide range of health needs.