CHICAGO, IL - On Thursday, February 4, Oprah, Dr. Oz, Bob Greene, Art Smith, Dr. Ian Smith and more reveal the staggering human cost of the growing diabetes and pre-diabetes epidemic on a special episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show. Before a studio audience comprised of all diabetics and their families, Oprah and Dr. Oz reveal the latest facts and figures, share stories of those affected, and hold a no-holds-barred, revealing conversation about risk factors, diet and lifestyle.

According to the American Diabetes Association, 80 million people in the U.S. have diabetes or are on the verge of getting the disease-and about 6 million of them don't even know it yet. In the African-American community, the problem is even more stark: according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), half of all African-American women born after the year 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime.

Says Winfrey, "Diabetes is a ticking time bomb. It's a silent killer. It's annihilating the African American community. Literally. It's killing almost 100 of us every single day in the African-American community."

According to the CDC, the U.S. spends $174 billion every year on combating diabetes, making it one of the most expensive health issues in the nation. Dr. Oz says, "If we don't fix the problem of diabetes in this country, we will bankrupt our future ability to pay for health care in the nation. Period."

Winfrey and Dr. Oz are also joined by fitness guru Bob Greene, who will reveal the hidden sugars lurking in everyday meals and snacks, and diet expert Dr. Ian Smith. Plus, a diagnosis of diabetes became an urgent wake-up call for celebrity chef Art Smith. Now, after losing 85 pounds and reversing his diabetes, he offers viewers his tips.

As part of the show, Oprah will also announce a special offer that will help every American get their blood sugar tested for free. For more information on receiving a free blood glucose test and to find your nearest 24-hour Walgreens location, please visit  Walgreens.com/diabetes

All Walgreens 24-hour stores and Take Care Clinics will be offering free blood glucose testing Friday, February 5, 2010, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  No appointment is necessary.

If you don't live near a 24-hour Walgreens location or can't get tested on February 5, 2010, you can still receive a free glucose test before February 18, 2010 . Visit  Walgreens.com/diabetes  for specific testing hours at a Walgreens store or Take Care Clinic near you where they will be accepting walk-ins during the next two weeks. Or, call 1-800-WALGREENS  to make an appointment. This offer is valid through February 18, 2010.

Source:

Press release from Oprah.com

http://www.oprah.com/pressroom/Oprah-Dr-Oz-Bob-Greene-Art-Smith-and-More-Focus-on-Diabetes

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Free-Blood-Glucose-Screening-at-Walgreens