People considered at high risk for type 2 diabetes are urged to get tested during the annual American Diabetes ALERT Day on March 25.

Free blood glucose screenings are scheduled for two locations in Effingham County on March 25:
• YMCA – 1124 Patriot Drive, Rincon, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
• Memorial Health University Primary Care – 241 Silverwood Commercial Drive, Rincon, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Risk factors include being over the age of 45, overweight, having a sedentary lifestyle and family history of diabetes. Individuals who are African-American and Latino are at increased risk.

Warning signs of diabetes include extreme thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision and tingling in lower extremities.

For the most accurate results, people should refrain from eating two hours before being tested and should only consume water or a diet drink.

According to the American Diabetes Association, many people living with the life-altering disease do not know it, partially because they may not experience any symptoms during the early stages. Estimates are that more than 26 million Americans have diabetes, including 7 million who do not know they have it.