Topeka (WIBW) - State workers and lawmakers are being encouraged to get screened for diabetes.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the American Diabetes Association and the Kansas Diabetes Action Council will host a diabetes screening event for them from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, in Room C, next to the cafeteria in the basement level of the Docking State Office Building, 915 S.W. Harrison.

In addition, a resolution is scheduled to be read in the both the Senate and House Chambers to acknowledge Diabetes Alert Day and recognize the work of the Kansas Diabetes Action Council. March 24 is Diabetes Alert Day.

The Kansas Diabetes Plan was unveiled in July 2008 and provides guidance for collaborative statewide efforts to reduce the burden of diabetes and improve the health of Kansans over the next five years. More than 170,000 Kansans have been diagnosed with diabetes, an increase of 20,000 from the previous year. More than 90 percent of those have Type 2 diabetes which can be prevented or delayed.