COVINGTON, Ga. - Piedmont Newton Hospital is partnering with the Covington YMCA to host a communitywide diabetes awareness event on Monday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Covington YMCA after-school building at 2140 Newton Drive.

The event will give individuals with diabetes, or people who care for someone with diabetes, an opportunity to learn survival skills. Participants will get advice on nutrition and learn about the importance of proper foot care.

“Data from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) shows there are approximately 7.2 million people in the United States with undiagnosed diabetes,” said Katie Edmondson, diabetes educator at Piedmont Newton. “Our mission is to increase our community’s awareness of diabetes and its symptoms, so that the undiagnosed population can start controlling the disease before dangerous complications occur.”

Session leaders will educate attendees on the signs and symptoms of diabetes, such as unquenchable thirst, sudden weight loss, frequent urination and wounds that won’t heal. They will also provide information on upcoming support group sessions, and other ways to receive care.

According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 30 million Americans have diabetes with an additional one million people diagnosed every year. Diabetes is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States, and the costs associated with diabetes, such as direct medical costs and reduced productivity, are more than $330 billion annually.  Complications and risks associated with diabetes are stroke, heart conditions and loss of limb.

The communitywide diabetes awareness event is free to the community and all are welcome. Space is limited, so please register to reserve your spot. Register by Thursday, May 10 by emailing Kacie Brown at kacieb@ymcaatlanta.org.

For more information on diabetes services offered at Piedmont, visit piedmont.org.