Learn how to be healthy, active and live well with diabetes

(BPT) - Navigating the world of diabetes care can be overwhelming, whether you are at risk for, have been recently diagnosed or are living with diabetes. Where do you turn for help?

You can find answers to many questions at the American Diabetes Association EXPO events. These are free one-day diabetes-focused health events in more than a dozen metropolitan areas that bring health care professionals, leading experts and product exhibitors under one roof.

Visit an EXPO near you and take advantage of free health screenings, talk with experts in a one-on-one setting, attend cooking demonstrations and visit product exhibits and presentations on diabetes prevention and management. Participate in the Family Fun/Healthy Kids area with information and activities geared toward youth with diabetes and their families.

"Diabetes affects nearly 26 million children and adults in the U.S., with an additional 79 million having prediabetes,” says Lurelean B. Gaines, RN, MSN, Immediate Past President of Health Care & Education for the American Diabetes Association. “EXPO is one way the Association helps those affected by diabetes learn how to live well, be active and change the future by providing free access to diabetes information, educational presentations and by bringing together a variety of local community health organizations where attendees get the benefit of a variety of screenings such as blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, and foot screenings.”

The American Diabetes Association’s EXPO began in 1995 in Phoenix, Ariz. and has grown to 13 cities around the country. In 2013, EXPO provided free diabetes information and support to nearly 65,000 individuals.

The 2014 schedule for the American Diabetes Association EXPOs is:

Denver (Feb. 22)

Salt Lake City (March 1)

New York City (March 15)

San Antonio (March 29)

Chicago (April 5)

Seattle (April 5)

Los Angeles (May 17)

Houston (July 26)

Northwest Arkansas (Aug. 9)

Minneapolis (Oct. 11)

Pittsburgh (Nov. 8)