Ralphs Pharmacies Offer Free Blood Glucose Tests

To help customers find out if they may be at risk for diabetes, Ralphs Grocery Company is offering free blood glucose tests at its 80 in-store pharmacies through Nov. 20. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes affects 9.3 percent, or 29.1 million Americans. Nearly 1.4 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed in people 20 years and older each year. 

Ralphs is offering the free blood glucose tests in partnership with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and in support of November's National Diabetes Awareness Month. 

"Diabetes is a serious health issue and blood glucose testing is an example of how our Ralphs pharmacies are offering accessible health care services that help people live healthier," says Rebecca Cupp, RPh, vice president of pharmacy for Ralphs Grocery Company. "We are offering free blood glucose tests so our customers can better understand their numbers and the importance of knowing that they can make informed decisions about their health."

Ralphs pharmacists conduct blood glucose tests with a quick fingerstick. Tests are available to people 18 years and older during pharmacy hours with no appointment necessary. Customers getting a blood glucose test will receive a pharmacist consultation to help better understand results.

In addition to the free blood glucose testing, Ralphs partnered with the ADA in recognition of National Diabetes Month as the presenting sponsor of the Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes held at Magic Mountain on Nov. 5. Ralphs Pharmacy also supported and attended the ADA's Feria de Salud in Lynwood on Nov. 6. At the Feria, Ralphs pharmacists performed free blood pressure and blood glucose checks, body mass index calculation, and distributed free Sharps containers for syringes and lancets donated by Ralphs Pharmacy to the ADA.

Blood glucose testing is just one of many health and wellness services offered by Ralphs Pharmacies. Among the other health and wellness services offered are adult and adolescent immunizations for Hepatitis A and B, tetanus, meningitis, cervical cancer, pneumonia, shingles (herpes zoster) and flu; customized medication reviews; memory screenings; smoking cessation; and cholesterol screenings. Free blood pressure readings are also available.