Take the One-Minute Test
Currently, 24 million people in the United States have diabetes, yet more than a third don't even know it. In Ohio, an estimated 700,000 individuals have diabetes, half of whom are unaware of it. Undiagnosed diabetes is a major health threat which can lead to serious complications such as heart and kidney disease. In the United States, it is the leading cause of blindness, kidney failure and amputations. 
The Central Ohio Diabetes Association conducts free screenings at its office, 1100 Dennison Ave., Columbus, each Tuesday (except holidays) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., no appointment is necessary. In addition, Central Ohio Diabetes Association performs screenings at a variety of locations throughout Columbus and Central Ohio each month. Please call the Central Ohio Diabetes Association office at (614) 884-4400 or 1-800-422-7946 if you have any questions or to find a screening location near you. The Central Ohio Diabetes Association screening program is made possible in part through financial assistance from Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Abbott Diabetes Care, Franklin County, the Mirolo Charitable Foundation and Cardinal Health.
WHAT IS THE DETECTION SCREENING PROGRAM?
A detection screening is available to anyone 18 yrs of age and older. It does not matter if they already have a diagnosis of diabetes. The test consists of a form to fill out by the participant and then a finger stick blood test. Results are given on site. All OSHA, CLIA, HIPPA and nurse practicing laws are followed for safety, accuracy and privacy. The test takes about two minutes per person.
This test is not a diagnosis. It is a first step evaluation and should only be considered just that. Blood sugar results can vary and one abnormal screening is not an indication that a person will have a diagnosis. A diagnosis is only for a physician to assess and proper treatment will then be administered. However, if a person does not have a diagnosis and at the time of the screening their blood sugar is extremely out of range, they will be advised to seek immediate medical attention so that they do not experience further complications or problems.
If a person does have a formal diagnosis of diabetes, this screening can be a tool to check their blood sugar if they don’t have a monitor to do home testing. Many times a person may just check their blood sugar because they are not feeling well at the time.
Central Ohio Diabetes Association offers blood-sugar screenings to help determine if a person has undetected diabetes.
The screening takes just one minute and requires only a drop of blood. Anyone age 25 or more should be checked for diabetes, particularly if among high-risk groups such as certain minorities (African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Appalachians), people who are overweight or those with a family history of diabetes. In addition, the risk for diabetes increases as a person ages.