ST. JOHN VALLEY – In recognition of National Diabetes Month, Northern Maine Medical Center will offer free risk testing for diabetes throughout the St. John Valley.

Testing should be considered for all people age 45 years and above.”

If the test results are normal, a test should be repeated at three-year intervals. Testing should be considered at a younger age or conducted yearly for those who are overweight, have a first-degree relative with diabetes, are members of a high-risk ethnic population (African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian), delivered a baby weighing greater than nine pounds, or were diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Also at risk are people with hypertension, elevated HDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels, or who have been diagnosed with impaired glucose tolerance.

Northern Maine Medical Center will offer free testing:

. Today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Long Lake Regional Health Center’s community room in St. Agatha.

. From 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at Northern Maine Medical Center’s medical library in Fort Kent.

. From 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15 at the Acadia School’s basement-level classroom.

For more information about diabetes testing, call 834-3195, Ext. 3124.