By Lauren Lane, MS, RD, LD

Jessamine County Health Department

Mark your calendars. Nov. 14, 2017, is World Diabetes Day, which is the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign, and the 2017 theme is Women and Diabetes.

According to the World Diabetes Day website, it is estimated that currently one in 10 women are living with diabetes. It is also estimated that over 199 million women are living with diabetes at this time, a number that is projected to increase to 313 million by 2040.

Having access to regular healthcare is extremely important for diabetes prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment. World Diabetes Day is to promote awareness of affordable, accessible care. This year, it is focusing specifically on women’s rights to a healthy future.

The Jessamine County Health Department offers nutrition counseling for diabetes and classes for those who have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes — as well as comprehensive diabetes self-management classes, which focus on providing information and education on many topics related to your diabetes care, including medication management, nutrition ideas, and checking blood sugar, among others.

Check out www.jessaminehealth.org for class information.

Jessamine County will be holding our first annual Diabetes Health Fair on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Saint Joseph Jessamine’s Medical Office Building Education Center, located at 1250 Keene Rd in Nicholasville.

Come join in for food demonstrations, free blood pressure checks, tons of free samples and raffle entry for door prizes. No registration is required.