FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Diabetes remains the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, and the number of young people diagnosed with the disease increases every year. The University of Arkansas Pre-Pharmacy Society has collaborated with other organizations including the Residents’ Interhall Congress to raise awareness for diabetes during the month of November.

Diabetes diagnoses are increasing at alarming rates across the country, the most common form being Type 2, which affects 90 percent of diabetics. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 occurs when the body can produce insulin but the pancreas cannot make enough or the body cannot use the insulin properly. Over time, this can cause significant damage to the kidneys, eyes and heart.

The Pre-Pharmacy Society will join with Orange Leaf on Monday, Nov. 17, for a fundraiser to support diabetes awareness. $1 from every cup of frozen yogurt sold from 3:30-9:30 p.m. will go to the Diabetes Awareness Association.

The following day, Tuesday, Nov. 18, the society will team up with Gamma Beta Phi honor society to distribute information and diabetes awareness ribbons from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The two groups will be stationed inside the Arkansas Union with diabetic friendly snacks for those who pass by. College of Pharmacy students from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest Campus will perform diabetic screenings for anyone who would like to be checked. A nutritionist will also be on site to explain how to establish healthy eating and exercise habits that will lower the risk for Type 2 diabetes.

This event is free, and all students, faculty and staff are encouraged to stop by for a screening or to learn more about how to stop diabetes.

The Pre-Pharmacy Society coordinates and promotes communication between pre-pharmacy students, stimulates interest in matters pertaining to pharmacy and prepares its members for admission to the College of Pharmacy. It is one of several student groups endorsed by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.