Screenings, education set for World Diabetes Day at Sekula Library Nov. 14

Staff Report

Edinburg, TX – The Dustin M. Sekula Memorial Library will host the Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association on Friday, Nov. 14, for free blood glucose and blood pressure screenings from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at 1906 S. Closner Blvd.

The drop-in clinic coincides with World Diabetes Day and is open to the public while supplies last. Library officials said the event aims to encourage early detection and prevention in a region where diabetes and hypertension rates are among the state’s highest. Staff from the RGV Diabetes Association, a nonprofit that provides education and screenings across the Valley, will be on site to answer questions and share resources.

World Diabetes Day is observed annually on Nov. 14, the birthday of Frederick Banting, who helped discover insulin. The day highlights the importance of early detection and routine monitoring to reduce complications that can include heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage and vision loss. Health advocates say quick checks like the library’s screenings can prompt follow-up care with a medical professional.

Common symptoms of diabetes can include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue or lack of energy, blurred vision, slow-healing cuts or wounds, and numbness or tingling in the feet and hands. Some people also experience increased hunger or unexplained weight changes. Anyone with symptoms or risk factors—such as a family history of diabetes, prior gestational diabetes, or limited physical activity—should consult a health care provider.

For more information, call the library’s Reference Department at (956) 383-6246.

Source — Dustin M. Sekula Memorial Library and RGV Diabetes Association.