Pennsylvania Department of Health Recommends Wellness Screenings during Diabetes Awareness Month

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Diabetes Action Partnership today reminded Pennsylvanians to take control of their health by being screened for diabetes, a disease that is oftentimes preventable with proper diet and exercise.

"Knowing your potential risk factors, being familiar with the symptoms, and getting screened all lead to early detection of diabetes," said Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy. "When diabetes is detected early, proper management of the disease can begin, and the chances for developing complications associated with it decrease."

Partners came together today to host a Diabetes Awareness Month event in the capitol, along with PinnacleHealth and the Pa. State Legislative Diabetes Caucus. PinnacleHealth provided free screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar. The event featured Pennsylvania chefs as its keynote speakers, including Executive Chef Pippa Calland of MidSt8 Taco and Manuel Torres of El Serrano. The speakers shared healthy recipes for anyone living with diabetes. A proclamation signed by Governor Tom Wolf declaring November as Diabetes Awareness Month was presented at the event.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that can occur in two forms. If the pancreas does not produce insulin, the result is type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is not producing enough insulin and/or the body cannot use the insulin that is produced. Insulin is a hormone that helps convert sugar and starches from food into energy. 

"Although the cause of diabetes is uncertain, genetics and lifestyle factors, such as obesity and a lack of exercise, can play a role," said Secretary Murphy. "Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by healthy eating habits and regular exercise. For those who already have diabetes, it is important for them to manage the disease by monitoring what they eat, exercising often, testing blood sugar regularly, and taking medication as prescribed."

To learn more about this disease and your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, visit the department's website and take the pre-diabetes screening test at www.health.pa.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT: Amy Worden or Yasmin Coleman, Department of Health, 717- 787-1783

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us