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COP students help to catch diabetes early by Laura Stanley College of Pharmacy College of Pharmacy students offered a free diabetes screening to people at high risk of diabetes on April 18. Katherine Horton sticks a patient to test her blood glucose level. Members and guests of the Church of Christ on Azalea Road were tested for high blood glucose, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure after their Sunday worship service. A children's supervision area was provided, where they enjoyed snacks, coloring, and a movie.  Two board-certified diabetes educators, Kelly Ragucci, Pharm.D., and James Sterrett, Pharm.D., provided counseling. Registered pharmacist Mel Rauton, Prescription Center, directed the cholesterol testing, which was supported by a grant from Pfizer. Arnold Karig, Pharm.D., supervised the pharmacy students as they performed blood glucose fingersticks.  The Tri-County Immunization Coalition, Aventis, and Matria Health-care also participated in the event.  The free screening led to many important patient interventions. For example, 63 percent of the patients  were hypertensive. All patients were counseled on the importance of controlling blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol and on the importance of complying with their medication regimens. Pharmacy students helped patients who had never been screened for diabetes and did not have a primary care provider.  Patients expressed that due to lack of transportation, they would not have had this opportunity had students not come to their church. Pharmacy students look forward to providing this service each year.   Friday, May 7, 2004 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.