November is Diabetes Awareness month. Thanks to our partnership with the State of Alaska Dept. of Health (DOH), Alaska Health Fair, Inc. is making it easier than ever to check your blood sugar levels and learn about diabetes and pre-diabetes at health fairs.
Diabetes occurs when your body struggles with insulin production or usage, leading to high blood sugar levels and potential complications. Pre-diabetes is a warning sign that your blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet at diabetes levels. Early detection and intervention can prevent progression to full-blown diabetes.
Common symptoms of diabetes/pre-diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurry vision, and slow-healing sores. At Alaska Health Fair events, we're offering the $25 A1C test – a valuable tool in managing your blood sugar levels. The A1C test provides an average of your blood sugar control over the past two to three months, unlike regular tests that measure glucose at a specific moment. It helps you understand how well your current lifestyle choices and treatment plan are working.
This fall we’ve partnered with the State of Alaska DOH to offer free A1C tests at our events across the state. To qualify:
Take our short self-assessment survey at the health fair.
If your result indicates a risk and you're not diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes, you're eligible for a free test.
The free tests are available to individuals 18 years and older.
Additional resources
To support your health journey, we've gathered additional resources for you:
Alaska Health Fair toll-free voicemail: Call 1-833-800-1292 for assistance understanding your blood test results or with any questions about diabetes/pre-diabetes. A Health Educator and RN will return your call.
Local and national resources guide: Download our free guide featuring local and national resources for diabetes, pre-diabetes, and high blood pressure. https://alaskahealthfair.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/SOA-A1C-Resources_March2022_v1.pdf
Online programs: Visit the State of Alaska Dept. of Health’s Fresh Start Program at http://freshstart.alaska.gov for no-cost online resources to help you manage your health.
Join us at the health fairs
November is our final month of fall health fair events before we take a winter break. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of affordable blood screenings (pricing below). Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend scheduling an appointment for quicker service.
Nov. 2 Talkeetna Community Health Fair at Upper Susitna Senior & Community Center, 16463 E Helena Dr., 8 a.m. to noon.
Nov. 5 Anchorage Credit Union 1 Community Health Fair, 1941 Abbott Rd., 8 to 10 a.m.
Nov. 9 Anchorage Community event at Alaska Pacific University, 4455 University Dr., 8 a.m. to noon.
Nov. 9 Fairbanks Community Health Fair at Anne Wien Elementary School Gym, 1501 Hampstead Ave., , 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Nov. 16 Anchorage Community Fair at St. John Church, 1801 O'Malley Rd., Anchorage, 8 a.m. to noon. *Note: This will be the final southcentral event of fall season
Nov. 19 Fairbanks Alaska Health Fair office draw, 725 26th Ave., Suite 201, 8a.m. to 1 p.m. *Note: Final northern region event of fall season.
New blood tests
In addition to our 27-panel of tests, new blood tests are available this season to support your health: Magnesium ($25), essential for energy production, muscle function and bone health; Uric Acid ($25), helps diagnose gout and monitor levels during treatments; Celiac t-Transglutaminase (tTG) ($40), screens for celiac disease, an immune reaction to gluten.
Learn more and schedule an appointment at our website, http://www.alaskahealthfair.org. Or call us at 907-278-0234 in Anchorage/statewide; 907-374-6853 in Fairbanks and Tanana Valley, and 907-723-5575 in Juneau and Southeast.
