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The Association of Lithuanian “Lions” clubs joined forces with the National Blood Center and the Lithuanian Diabetes Association and invites the residents of our country to take a free blood test that can prevent diabetes. Diabetes is one of the most dangerous diseases in the world, from which millions of people die every year. An increased level of glucose in the blood is found in even a tenth of the people taking a blood test in Lithuania.
In the tents of the National Blood Center located in the squares of Lithuanian cities, residents will be able to check the glucose level in the capillary blood prophylactically during a test lasting just a few seconds and, if necessary, receive recommendations for further tests.
Arūnas Uleckas, coordinator of the action, governor of the Association of Lithuanian Lions Clubs (2012-2013 term), member of the Vilnius Vytautas the Great Lions Club, does not doubt the meaning of such actions. “During the campaign organized in Vilnius in November of last year, 620 preventive blood tests were performed to determine the level of glucose. Of these, 52 persons were recommended to immediately contact their family doctors for detailed blood glucose tests,” says A. Uleckas.
Vida Augustinienė, the president of the Lithuanian Diabetes Association, seconded the coordinator of the campaign, stating that during the campaigns organized annually, approximately 8% up to 12 percent tests show an increased blood glucose level. “Such people are recommended to immediately consult a doctor and undergo more detailed examinations. Those who are already 40 years old should be most concerned, as well as those who have high blood pressure, are overweight, have increased blood cholesterol or have a family member with diabetes,” says V. Augustinienė. She recommends everyone get checked at least once a year.
According to the director of the National Blood Center, Daumantas Gutauskas, if not checked in time, diabetes can be a very dangerous disease for a person and cause many complications, and it is very easy to find out whether the blood glucose level does not exceed the set norm. “A drop of blood is taken from a person’s finger, which is placed on a special strip, and a special device, a glucometer, shows the answer in a few seconds. After the examination, the person receives recommendations on what to do next.” – says D. Gutauskas.
The International Diabetes Federation estimates that one in ten adults worldwide has diabetes. However, there are also many who do not suspect that they are sick, because they have not done any research. It is estimated that in Lithuania 20-79 in the age group of 1 thousand. there are approximately 186 people with diabetes per population. The prevalence of diabetes in this age group is 9.5%.
For this reason, the World Association of Lions Clubs has been investing in diabetes-related research, supporting prevention initiatives, and promoting public education for many years. According to Audronė Balčiūnienė, Governor of the Association of Lithuanian Lions Clubs, great attention is paid to the prevention of diabetes in our country as well. “Lions” clubs operating in Lithuania consistently organize various campaigns and projects aimed at helping children with diabetes. This time, we are uniting the clubs for a joint campaign and inviting people to take a small step towards a healthier life – to come and check their blood sugar level”, says A. Balčiūnienė.
Vilnius Vytautas the Great Lions Club, the organizer of the campaign dedicated to the prevention of diabetes, which took place in November last year, called on Lions clubs operating not only in Vilnius, but also in other Lithuanian cities to join this initiative. 12 Lithuanian Lions clubs joined the campaign. The campaign will take place in Lithuanian cities this year. April 20 – June 1: April 20 Marijampole; April 20 Palanga; April 20 Šiauliai; April 20 Vilnius; April 21 Kaunas; April 21 Little ones; May 4 Jurbrak; May 18 Alytus; June 1 Ukmerge.
The Lithuanian Association of Lions Clubs is a part of the International Association of Lions Clubs – the largest public club non-political organization in the world. Currently, there are almost 50,000 operating in the world. “Lions” clubs, which unite more than 1.4 million members. There are 36 Lions clubs in Lithuania, uniting more than 700 members.
For more detailed information, please contact: Agnė Leonavičiūtė, [email protected]+370 648 71382 (all cities except Vilnius), Žilvinas Millerius, [email protected]+370 682 44801 (Vilnius).
Organizers information
