Millions of West Virginians are affected by a pancreatic disorder that is possibly life threatening and there are many who may not be aware they are afflicted by it.

Southern West Virginia Community Technical College, the Logan County Health Department, The Logan Family Resource Network, PRIDE in Logan Inc. and Lifescan are partnering up on Monday, April 6 from 9 a.m. to noon for Diabetes Awareness Day at the SWVCTC Mt. Gay Campus on Dempsey Branch Road.

Diabetes was diagnosed thousands of years ago. It is caused when the pancreas doesn't' function properly and diminishes the production of insulin or the body does not function properly with its insulin. Symptoms include excessive urine production, constant thirst and increased fluid intake, blurred vision, lethargy and drowsiness after meals.

During the Roman era, physicians referred to it as "having sugar in the blood". People with diabetes often have high blood sugar levels and their bodies attempt to eliminate it in other ways including through the bladder. In ancient days physicians tested for diabetes by having a slave taste the patient’s urine. In modern times many diabetes patients test their blood sugar daily with small computerized "glucometer" devices which analyze blood placed on a strip.

Modern physicians treat diabetes through lifestyle changes, control of food, exercise, pills and insulin.

Diabetes is a deadly disease with many complications including hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis, or nonketotic hyperosmolar coma. Serious long-term complications include cardiovascular disease chronic renal failure, retinal damage (which can lead to blindness), nerve damage (especially neuropathy), and microvascular damage, which may cause poor wound healing, particularly of the feet, which in turn can lead to gangrene, and possibly to amputation.

There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by loss of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas leading to a deficiency of insulin. It is often exhibited in the patient's youth. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance or reduced insulin sensitivity, combined with relatively reduced insulin secretion which in some cases becomes absolute. It is often referred to as "Adult onset" because symptoms do not develop until adulthood or middle age.

If not treated, diabetes eventually causes the organs of the body to be damaged leading to death.

The Diabetes Awareness event will feature informational displays about Diabetes, free blood sugar and blood pressure screenings, and free software to help local diabetics monitor their glucose levels. If you are a Diabetic you can stop by and pick up a free One Touch Ultra 2 or Ultra Mini glucometer.

Refreshments will be served.

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For more information, interested parties contact (304) 792-8630.