Dr. Andrew Ahmann, Director of the Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center, joined us today to tell us about a disease that millions of Americans have -- they just dont' know it yet!  Here is some important information you should know about diabetes:

• Nearly 24 million people have diabetes in the United States and 5.7 million don't even know they have it! (The diagnosis may come 7-10 years after the onset of the disease.)
• Another 57 million are diagnosed with pre-diabetes -- which means they are a high risk for developing the disease.
• Diabetes is a disease in which proper treatment and on-going education can help maintain a healthy life, delaying or preventing complications of the disease.
• A FREE education opportunity -- provided by the American Diabetes Association -- takes place Saturday February 21st at the Oregon Convention Center -- The Diabetes Expo.  Children and adults diagnosed with diabetes are welcome , as well as those who have pre-diabetes or those at risk for the disease.

Activities at the Diabetes Expo include:

• Presentations about the Future of Diabetes Management (by Dr. Ahmann), foot care, being active, the latest technology to monitor blood sugar, and What You Need to Know About Diabetes Medication.
• Cooking and Fitness demonstrations
• Product and service exhibits featuring a variety of tools to help manage diabetes
• Free health screenings (blood pressure, feet, bone density, eyes, blood glucose testing)
• Meet one-on-one with medical professionals
• Free flu shots
• Interactive Kids Corner (rock climbing wall, face painting, fitness activities with the Wii system)
• El Mundo Latino (Spanish area with presentations and interactive activities)
• Across from the Diabetes Expo is the Jim Hansen MD Memorial Symposium with an update on the search for a cure for type 1 diabetes.  This event is for kids with type 1 diabetes and their families.  Kids will learn magic tricks from "The Magic of Seth."