Free blood sugar and blood pressure tests. Three events in November.

Free blood sugar and blood pressure tests will be available at three events from November 12th to 15th. The events will take place in Sotira and at two locations in Nicosia to mark World Diabetes Day.

There are 78,084 people living with diabetes, including 509 children under the age of 18. November's events are intended to remind people of the importance of early diagnosis and regular health checkups, as well as to provide an opportunity to talk to healthcare professionals.

Free blood sugar and blood pressure tests – where and when?

The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 12 in SotiraThe next ones will take place this weekend: on Saturday at the University of Nicosia and on Sunday at the Nicosia Mall.

Free blood glucose and blood pressure tests will be available during the events. The event is organized by the Pan-Cypriot Diabetes Association — Παγκύπριος Διαβητικός Σύνδεσμος.

"Diabetes Town" at the university

The main event will be Saturday's "Diabetes Town", which will be built at the University of Nicosia. For four hours, participants will be able to take measurements and ask questions of healthcare professionals on site.

There will also be presentations of medical devices used in the daily monitoring and treatment of diabetes.

The campaign is supported by the National Health Services Organization (OKYPY). Physicians, dietitians, podiatrists, and psychologists are also involved in the initiative. This emphasizes that caring for a person with diabetes encompasses many aspects of health and daily functioning.

Over 78,000 people with diabetes

In the presented list, the largest group by far are people with type 2 diabetes — 65,879 peopleType 1 diabetes has been reported in 9393 people.

The remaining data includes 2,589 people with other types of diabetes and 223 cases of gestational diabetes. This totals 78,084 people.

Among children under 18:

• 379 have type 1 diabetes;
• 130 have type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes also occurs in children. At the same time, the different types of the disease should not be confused—they have different mechanisms of development and may require different treatment.

Early diagnosis helps reduce complications

Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves. It increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Possible complications also include vision loss and slow-healing foot ulcers, which in severe cases can lead to amputation.

However, complications are not an inevitable consequence of a diagnosis of diabetes. Early diagnosis, proper treatment and regular check-ups help reduce the risk of their occurrence.

In the case of type 2 diabetes, symptoms can be mild and go unnoticed for a long time. Therefore, monitoring your blood sugar levels is an opportunity to take an interest in your health, even when you don't experience any significant symptoms.

A single measurement during the event does not replace a full diagnostic evaluation. Any questionable results should be discussed with a physician, who will determine the need for further testing. Individuals already receiving treatment should continue their recommended checkups regardless of participation in the November events.