Publix Offers Customers Free Diabetes Screenings

LAKELAND, Fla., July 27, 2011 - Publix Super Markets will offer free diabetes screenings at more than 800 Publix stores this year. Appointments are not necessary and test results will be given onsite within a few minutes. Customers will receive a free blood glucose test and diabetes educational material.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 25.8 million people in the U.S. have Diabetes, of which 7 million are undiagnosed. In a study published last year, the CDC projected that as many as 1 in 3 U.S. adults could have diabetes by 2050 if current trends continue.

"Publix Pharmacy is pleased to offer free diabetes screenings as part of our commitment to the total health and wellness of our customers," said Maria Brous, director of media and community relations. "As both a supermarket and pharmacy, Publix is the ideal setting in which to promote healthy living. Offering these free screenings will hopefully assist our customers in early detection and allow them to benefit from our diabetes program which launched last March offering free Metformin for Type II diabetes patients."

The screenings will be conducted by Cholestcheck Corp, a health and wellness screening company, and sponsored in part by Bayer HealthCare Diabetes Care. Bayer HealthCare Diabetes Care is a leader in diabetes monitoring systems and other products and services that can help simplify life for people with diabetes.