Walgreens to Offer Free Blood Glucose Testing at Select Stores

According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 2 million new cases of diabetes were diagnosed in individuals aged 20 years and older last year. If current trends continue, 1 of 3 American adults could have diabetes by 2050. To help patients determine whether they may be at risk for diabetes, select Walgreens stores across the country will offer free blood glucose testing during National Diabetes Month this November.

Free blood glucose testing will be available in 33 states and Washington, DC through November with a coupon ($20 value) that can be found in each store and in Walgreens weekly ads in many Sunday newspapers. To find the nearest Walgreens offering this service, visit the store locator and check the “health tests” box, or call 1-877-W-and-YOU (1-877-926-3968).

Last November, 1 in 4 customers who received blood glucose tests in Walgreens stores during diabetes awareness events tested outside of the desired range, meaning that they might be at risk for developing diabetes.

“Diabetes is a serious health issue facing communities across the country and blood glucose testing is an example of how our pharmacists are offering accessible, preventable health care services that help people live well and stay well,” said Suzanne Hansen, Walgreens group vice president of pharmacy operations, in a statement. “We want customers and patients to understand their numbers and the importance of knowing that they can make informed decisions about their health.”

At Walgreens pharmacies, blood glucose tests are conducted with a quick fingerstick. Tests are available to individuals aged 18 years and older at select stores during pharmacy hours daily with no appointment necessary. All patients getting a blood glucose test will receive a pharmacist consultation to help better understand results.

Test results are not for diagnostic or treatment purposes and are not conclusive as to the absence or presence of any health condition. Recipients are encouraged to share test results with their primary care physician.

In addition to free blood glucose testing, all participating 24-hour Walgreens will hold “Wellness Wednesdays” events from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on November 9 and 16. Locations will provide information about diabetes management, give out Bayer Blood Glucose Meters, and offer in-store sampling of Glucerna Hungersmart bars and shakes that are specially formulated for people with diabetes.

Walgreens also teamed up with Sharps and Novo Nordisk to offer a safe and easy needle disposal option for people who self-inject medications. Patients who purchase the Complete Needle Collection & Disposal System will receive a rebate form at the register for the $4.99 cost of the system through the end of November. For individuals concerned with environmentally-responsible disposal, the receipt will also include a coupon for free return postage and treatment of the container and needles (a $20 value).