DIABETES AWARENESS AND SCREENINGS
Diabetes Overview
Kentucky ranks eighth highest in the U.S. for diabetes prevalence. Diabetes is linked with heart
disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, amputation and other long term medical
conditions.
Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough for diabetes to
be diagnosed. Approximately 12% of Kentucky adults have diagnosed prediabetes. It is
estimated that 2.5 times more Kentuckians have undiagnosed prediabetes.
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Special cameras used to detect issues caused by diabetes in the eyes
Using our special camera to detect damage to the eye from diabetes
Providing free diabetes screenings for the community
Our Actions
Diabetes and prediabetes can be managed and possibly slowed or stopped from progressing if the person is alerted to an elevated A1C result.. To educate the community, the Lexington Lions Diabetes Project - sponsored by the Lexington Lions Club - provides FREE A1C Diabetes Screening and Education throughout Kentucky. Trained personnel conduct the ADA/CDC At-Risk Assessment to determine the person’s likelihood of being prediabetic.
A simple fingerstick is part of the screening process to determine the participant's A1C level and results are received in 5 minutes. The participant receives a "Report Card" with their A1C score and information as to what that score means. Additional educational information is provided to all participants.
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When possible, a retinal image is made with a special camera and sent to a retina specialist to check for diabetes related damage to the eye. After review the person is then contacted with results and recommendations for follow-up steps. These services are provided at no cost to the individual.
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As of 7/25/2026, the Bluegrass Lions Diabetes Project has screened 6901 Kentuckians with the At - Risk Assessment. Of these, 58% had results > 5 for which the ADA/CDC recommends they inform their primary care physician.
A total of 6689 participants were screened for A1C with 4176 (62%) scoring in the normal range, 1588 (24%) scoring in the Pre-Diabetes range and 986 (15%) scoring in the Diabetes range. All 2574 (38%) participants with elevated scores were counseled about seeing their doctor, eating healthier and attending Diabetes prevention and management programs.
In addition, we have conducted 258 Retinal Imaging screenings with 13% indicating some pathologies were detected. All participants were made aware of their results and the retina doctor’s recommendations.
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If you want to schedule a FREE A1C Diabetes Screening Event for your company, church or community organization or if you want to help at an event please email pat.bldp@gmail.com.
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If you are interested in promoting and supporting the Lions Club work in this area, please click on the donation button.
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