Walgreens clinics offer free blood glucose, A1C testing

Walgreens, the nation's largest drugstore chain with more than 70,000 health care service providers, said Thursday it will offer free blood glucose and A1C testing at more than 1,700 stores and Take Care Clinics nationwide on Nov. 12 and 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The free diabetes health testing events, held in conjunction with American Diabetes Month, are offered at most 24-hour Walgreens stores and Take Care Clinic locations in 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Walgreens and Take Care Clinics conducted free blood glucose testing in November 2009 as well as last February. More than 200,000 people were tested during these prior events, with more than 25 percent testing at-risk for diabetes.

“Walgreens recognizes the need to further heighten diabetes awareness, and by offering free testing in thousands of communities nationwide, we're providing a valuable health care resource that may save lives,” Kermit Crawford, Walgreens president of pharmacy services, said in a statement. “Through these events and through interaction with our pharmacists and Take Care Clinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants, we're providing the tools and information to improve the lives of those at risk for or affected by diabetes.”

Each participating Walgreens will host an eight-hour walk-in clinic offering a free blood glucose test, or, in most states, for individuals diagnosed with diabetes, a free A1C test. Walgreens pharmacists and Take Care Clinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants are available for patient consultations. In most locations, they will also administer the tests.

For more information and to find the nearest event, visit www.walgreens.com/findastore or call 1-877-W-and-You (1-877-926-3968).

As part of American Diabetes Month(R), Deerfield-based Walgreens will make a $100,000 donation to the American Diabetes Association.