Walgreens offers free testing during National Diabetes Month
DEERFIELD, Ill. — Select Walgreens across the country will offer free blood-glucose testing during National Diabetes Month this November, Walgreens announced Monday.
Free blood-glucose testing will be available in 33 states and Washington, D.C., with a coupon through November. A coupon for the test, a $20 value, can be found in each store and in Walgreens' weekly ad in many Sunday newspapers. Last November, 1-in-4 customers who received blood-glucose tests in Walgreens stores during diabetes awareness events tested outside of the desired range or high, meaning they might be at risk for developing diabetes.
"Diabetes is a serious health issue facing communities across the country, and blood-glucose testing is an example of how our pharmacists are offering accessible, preventable healthcare services that help people live well and stay well," stated Suzanne Hansen, Walgreens group VP pharmacy operations. "We want customers and patients to understand their numbers and the importance of knowing that they can make informed decisions about their health."
In addition to free blood-glucose testing, all participating 24-hour Walgreens will hold "Wellness Wednesdays" events from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 2, 9 and 16. Locations will provide information about diabetes management, Bayer blood-glucose meters and also feature in-store sampling of Glucerna Hunger Smart bars and shakes that are specially formulated for people with diabetes.
Walgreens also teamed up with Sharps and Novo Nordisk to offer a safe and easy needle disposal option for people who self-inject medications. When customers purchase the Complete Needle Collection and Disposal System, they will receive a rebate form at the register for the $4.99 cost of the system through the end of November. For customers concerned with environmentally responsible disposal, the receipt also will include a coupon for free return postage and incineration of the container and needles (a $20 value).
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