One in four people with diabetes doesn't even know they have it.

Within a week of being diagnosed with pre-diabetes Kay Kendall was enrolled in a program that dramatically improved her health and well-being.

Called REACH (Reaching Euglycemia And Comprehensive Health), the eight-week, fee-based prevention program targets people at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, especially those with pre-diabetes, and those who are newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

"With REACH we can help people achieve euglycemia or 'normal' blood sugar to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and prevent complications associated with the disease," says program coordinator Rhonda Barr, a physical therapist at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. "Many of our clients report a significant improvement in how they feel after participation in the program."

Kendall is one such client. "It taught me the right things to do," she says. "I learned a lot. It was a totally upbeat and designed for different types of people. Everyone is treated equally. And the best part is I can go back at any time."

The program's intensive lifestyle intervention includes:

• Education
• Support for making life-long changes to improve blood sugar control and health
• Individualized supervised exercise program
• Opportunities to learn from experts in the field of diabetes
• Dietary recommendations

Diabetes is arguably the 21 st century's biggest public health crisis, causing more kidney disease, blindness, and amputations than any other disease. In the U.S. alone, it affects nearly 24 million children and adults.

For an appointment to receive a free diabetes screening, call UI Health Access at 319-384-8442 or toll free 1-800-777-8442.

For more information about the REACH eight-week program, call the UI Department of Rehabilitation Therapies at 319-356-2663. To learn more about the myths and facts of diabetes, visit online at www.uihealthcare.com/diabetesservices.

--Tom Moore