Memphis is embracing National Diabetes Awareness Day with a citywide screening initiative for Type One Diabetes, announced by Mayor Paul Young. The screenings will occur tomorrow, designated as the Day of Screening. First Lady Jamila Smith-Young, a nurse practitioner specializing in diabetes care, will lead the health drive. Mayor Young emphasized the importance of awareness, stating, "Knowledge is power, and it is vital for more of our community to be screened," as per the City of Memphis website.
The initiative, led by Dr. Kashif Latif from the AM Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, highlights the importance of early screening in managing Type One Diabetes. While it cannot prevent the disease, early screening provides individuals time to prepare and adapt. The screening will use at-home kits for easy blood collection, with results available in two weeks. This convenience could be crucial in the fight against diabetes in Memphis, with kits being distributed throughout the city.
Health professionals, including Dr. Latif, prioritize screenings for individuals with a first-degree relative who has Type One Diabetes to expand prevention efforts. The at-home screening process aims to increase participation and early detection, as a simple fingerprick followed by lab processing can provide important information about a person's risk for the disease.
