LEXINGTON, Ky. — Hundreds of residents gathered Saturday at a free diabetes expo organized by the Lexington-Fayette Health Department, as the disease continues to affect nearly 30% of Kentuckians, according to local health officials.

The event at Consolidated Baptist Church drew more than 200 pre-registered attendees, with the community room reaching capacity during the three-hour expo. According to LEX 18 News, participants accessed free vision screenings, A1C testing — a measure of average blood glucose levels over the past three months — guest speakers and cooking demonstrations designed to educate the community about diabetes prevention and management.

Registered dietitian Melissa Smith emphasized the critical role diet plays in controlling glucose levels. "If you fall between 5.7 and 6.4 you are pre-diabetic, if you're over 6.4 you would have type 2 diabetes, so getting your glucose done is important to make sure you're getting active and taking care of your health," Smith told LEX 18.

The expo underscores growing concern about diabetes prevalence across Kentucky. The American Diabetes Association reports that approximately 37 million Americans have diabetes, with many unaware they have the disease. Screening events like Saturday's provide accessible entry points for residents to learn their health status and connect with resources for management and prevention.

The Lexington-Fayette Health Department regularly partners with community organizations to address chronic disease, with diabetes prevention and management among its key public health priorities. The department's efforts align with state and national initiatives to reduce the burden of diabetes through education, early detection and lifestyle interventions.