Oprah: Go to Walgreens and get your glucose checked

CHICAGO Talk show guru Oprah Winfrey is hoping to shed some light on a rising epidemic among Americans: diabetes.

In an episode that debuted Thursday, Winfrey and cardiothoracic surgeon/author Dr. Mehmet Oz revealed the latest facts and figures; shared stories of those affected; and presented a no-holds-barred, revealing conversation about risk factors, diet and lifestyle. All of this information was presented before a studio audience comprised of all diabetics and their families.

Winfrey and Oz were joined by lifestyle coach Bob Greene and diet expert Ian Smith.

As part of the show, Oprah also announced that Walgreens will be offering free blood glucose tests at all of its 24-hour stores and clinics Friday, Feb. 5, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and urging viewers to head to their nearest Walgreens store to take advantage of the free offer.

“We’re proud to offer these free blood glucose testing events as another means to heighten diabetes awareness and overall health and wellness,” said Kermit R. Crawford, Walgreens EVP pharmacy services.  “We want everyone who’s concerned about diabetes to be able to get tested. Through interaction with our pharmacists and Take Care nurse practitioners, and the many tools and resources Walgreens offers, we hope to improve the lives of those affected by diabetes or at risk for diabetes.”

In addition Walgreens will offer free glucose testing events at select stores in thousands of communities across the country as well as in all of its Take Care Clinics through Feb. 18. The program marks the second time in the last four months that Walgreens has offered free blood glucose testing.

"Diabetes is a ticking time bomb. It's a silent killer. It's annihilating the African American community. Literally. It's killing almost 100 of us every single day in the African-American community," Winfrey said.