An estimated 10 percent of South Carolinians have diabetes, and the number is on the rise. Studies indicate another 5 percent of South Carolina residents may have undiagnosed diabetes. About 3,000 people die each year from the disease.

Prevention Partners provides Preventive Workplace Screenings to help you determine whether you are at risk for developing diabetes. In 2008, 9 percent of screening participants had high blood sugar levels.

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to many complications, including blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes and amputations. The direct and indirect costs of hospitalizations and emergency room visits attributed to diabetes totaled more than $2.7 billion in 2006.

Although diabetes is a serious disease, many of its complications can be avoided by controlling your blood sugar levels. People with diabetes can live long, healthy lives when the disease is properly monitored and treated.