Since preventative measures are key to controlling and preventing Type II, or adult onset, diabetes, the new program focuses on education, said nurse Susan Arndt. Medicare will pick up the tab, she said.

The program starts with an assessment of the person's health, followed by eight hours of group classes and then an individual follow-up. The course and follow-up allow a person with diabetes or who has a likelihood of developing the disease to manage their own health, Arndt said.

For example, just losing 5 to 10 percent in body weight reduces blood sugar levels, she said, and a healthy diet and exercise can help reduce the need for medications to control diabetes.

For more information or to schedule a diabetes screening, call 235-0369.