Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, April 25, 2001
For more information: Chuck Schlueter, 773-3904

FREE DIABETES TESTING

PIERRE – South Dakota sportsmen and women have a unique opportunity to make healthy preparations for future hunting seasons through Governor Bill Janklow’s diabetes screening project.

Governor Janklow has pulled together such interests as state government, medical providers, hospitals and clinics, community groups and businesses in an effort to provide diabetes screening to every South Dakotan over the age of 25.

As many as one-third of the 40,000 South Dakotans with diabetes don’t know they have this disease. Diabetes kills 200 South Dakotans each year and contributes to other leading causes of death, such as heart disease and kidney failure. Common complications of diabetes include blindness, amputations, kidney failure, problems during pregnancy, and a much higher risk of premature death.

The free test is a simple finger stick blood glucose test and blood pressure check. If individuals are found with elevated blood sugar levels, they will be referred to their medical provider for follow-up.

To learn more about the risks of diabetes, and for a list of screening sites, a link is available on the Game, Fish and Parks homepage at www.state.sd.us/gfp/, or check the project’s web site directly at www.sddiabetes.net. 

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