Dayton organization provides free screenings, resources to those with diabetes

MORAINE, Ohio ( WDTN ) – A Dayton-based organization held a free health and resource expo Saturday to address the high rate of diabetes in Montgomery County.

Diabetes Dayton hosted its Wellness and Diabetes Expo at the Mandalay Event Center in Moraine. The event provided free health screenings, eye exams, A1C testing and more.

"We know that diabetes is a huge problem in our community, so we provide lots of health care providers to help people get their health in order and live their best life," Diabetes Dayton Executive Director Cris Peterson said.

More than 1 million Ohioans were diagnosed with diabetes in 2020, according to the Ohio Department of Health . The health department estimates that 2.2 million Ohioans have undiagnosed pre-diabetes.

Peterson said Montgomery County has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the state, that's why prevention is critical.

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"If you don't control your type two diabetes, it can lead to all kinds of complications vision, loss, loss of limb, cardiac problems, kidney problems," Peterson said.

Diabetes Dayton has been serving the Dayton area for 60 years, providing free and low-cost testing supplies, educational programs and support groups for those living with diabetes.

Victor Bailey, a volunteer with Diabetes Dayton, said he finds joy in connecting people to the health resources that they need for free.

"As a Type 1 diabetic, I found myself going out there trying to find resources on my own," Bailey said. "This is an opportunity to share the information that I have, especially with communities that don't have access to the information."

To find out more about Diabetes Dayton and the resources they offer,.