Next week, Scotland Health Care System will provide tips on making life with diabetes a little sweeter during its annual diabetes fair.

The fair, themed “Living the Sweet Life,” will be held on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. in the Dulin Center on the hospital’s campus. Several free health screenings will be offered, including A1C blood tests and checking for foot wounds.

“Hemoglobin A1C is a blood test that can be done that lets us know about what a person’s blood sugar has been for the previous three months,” said Sandy Williams, Scotland Health Care System clinical nurse educator. “There are basic ranges that make you normal, diabetic, or pre-diabetic. Those with elevated numbers will be referred to their physicians.”

Several vendors will be present to educate those with diabetes regarding the effect diabetes has on their overall health and specific bodily systems, including the Scotland Wound Healing Center, Scotland County Department of Health, Hospice, N.C. Division of Health’s oral health section, Liberty Home Care, Pinehurst Surgical Clinic, Bowling Eye Clinic, and Mabry’s Drug and Home Care.

Attendees can talk with vendors from 5-6:30 p.m., when a light, diabetic-friendly meal will also be available. At 6:30, a panel of health professionals who work with diabetic clients, podiatrist Dr. Millicent Brown, family practitioner Dr. Glenn Harris, Paula Love of the wound center, physical therapist Jennifer Sanford, and dietitian Robin Sirochman, will hold a public discussion on managing diabetes.

“Overall, if they have diabetes they are going to learn skills that can help with with daily self-management,” said Williams. “If they don’t have diabetes but are at risk, they are going to learn more about those risk factors and how to control them. Weight, exercise and those kids of things are modifiable risk factors.”

Williams added that, for those with risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or elevated cholesterol, regular screenings are crucial to preventing the onset of diabetes.

“From a prevention standpoint, getting those done regularly if you have a family history or other risk factors, that is a proactive way to catch it before it gets too out of control,” she said.

The fair is designed to accommodate about 100 people, and those who are not diabetic but have family members with the disease are welcomed. Registration is required; call 291-7550.