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CAMP HILL, Pa. (BUSINESS WIRE) - Sixty Rite Aid pharmacies across the country will offer free screenings for diabetes during November, National Diabetes Month, to help raise awareness of the signs, symptoms and management of diabetes.

"There are nearly 16 million people in the United States with diabetes and about one third of them don't even know it," said Eric Sorkin, senior vice president, pharmacy for Rite Aid Corporation. "The Rite Aid Diabetes Fairs are an excellent opportunity for patients to learn more about the disease and find out if they may be at risk. The fairs are part of Rite Aid's commitment to providing services that help our customers lead healthier lives."

The free screenings at the Rite Aid Diabetes Fairs include blood glucose testing, vision testing, foot examinations and blood pressure testing. Additionally, free educational and product information, samples and giveaways will be available.

Rite Aid pharmacists are specially trained in diabetes care and counseling. Pharmacists participate in on-going training programs to help patients with questions and concerns on blood glucose monitoring, insulin, medications, exercise and nutrition. Customers can find out where and when the closest Diabetes Fair is being held by calling 1-800-RITEAID or visiting Rite Aid's web site, go to http://www.riteaid.com.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. There are 15.7 million people in the United States who have diabetes. While an estimated 10.3 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 5.4 million people are not aware that they have the disease.

Each day approximately 2,200 people are diagnosed with diabetes. About 798,000 people will be diagnosed this year.

Patients may be at high risk for diabetes and not know it.

RISK FACTORS INCLUDE:
a. anyone over the age of 45
b. anyone who has a family member with diabetes
c. anyone overweight
d. anyone who rarely exercises
e. anyone who is African American, Latino, Asian & Pacific Islander, or Native American heritage
f. a woman who had diabetes during pregnancy or had a baby weighing 9 pounds or more

Rite Aid has been recognized on a national level by The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and the American Association of Diabetes Educators for its efforts to educate the public about diabetes during national Diabetes Month.

Rite Aid is one of the nation's leading drugstore chains with annual revenues of over $14 billion and approximately 3,800 stores in 30 states and the District of Columbia. Rite Aid also owns approximately 15 percent of drugstore.com, a leading online source for health, beauty and pharmacy products.

Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, can be found at the company's Web site, visit www.RITEAID.com.

Contact: Rite Aid Jody Cook, 717/731-6566