Ventura, CA. — Community Memorial Hospital announced the launch of DiabetesAware, a screening program to help individuals determine if they have or are at risk for diabetes.

About 20.8 million people in the United States have diabetes. Yet nearly one-third of those people are unaware that they have this serious and chronic disease. If the condition is left untreated, it can cause very serious complications, including heart and vascular disease, and kidney, eye and nerve damage. Many people may not have symptoms, so early detection is important to diagnose the condition and prevent harmful complications. The key is proper education and awareness of what to do to reduce your risks.

“DiabetesAware can help effectively identify people with risk symptoms for diabetes,” said Dr. Stan Frochtzwajg, CMH Chief Medical Officer and family practice physician. “We have a responsibility to not only care for our community but to raise awareness of health risks through education and prevention. DiabetesAware can do just that.”

In celebration of the launch of this program a Diabetes Health Fair will take place on Saturday, Nov. 6, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Nichols Auditorium at Community Memorial Hospital. Screenings, expert speakers, information booths, giveaways, refreshments and information on diabetes will be available. Space is limited and registration is required. To make reservations call 805/585-3055 or go to cmhshealth.org/rsvp.

Community Memorial Hospital is a member of Community Memorial Health System, a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and nine family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.