LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Lexington-Fayette Health Department hosted a free diabetes expo Saturday, drawing more than 200 pre-registered attendees as the commonwealth grapples with a disease affecting nearly one in three Kentuckians, according to LEX 18 News.

The event, organized by 44 community partners, filled to capacity by 9:30 a.m. Health department officials said actual attendance exceeded pre-registration numbers. Kentucky's diabetes rate of approximately 30 percent mirrors a national crisis affecting over 150 million Americans with diabetes or pre-diabetes, according to health officials.

Attendees accessed free vision screenings and finger-prick tests to determine A1C levels, a key indicator of blood sugar control. The expo also featured cooking demonstrations and guest speakers, including registered dietitian Melissa Smith, who emphasized diet and exercise as critical components of diabetes management.

"Diet does play a key factor in diabetes. You want to make sure you're eating balanced meals and not skipping meals," Smith said. "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."

Early detection is crucial for preventing complications. According to the American Diabetes Association, common warning signs include frequent urination, excessive thirst or hunger despite eating, extreme fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Health experts stress that early treatment and lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce disease complications.

The expo reflected growing community efforts to address Kentucky's significant diabetes burden through education and accessible health screenings.