Cary, N.C. — Food and drug retailer ShopRite has partnered with prescription benefits manager Paramount Rx to host free blood glucose screenings in November for National Diabetes Awareness Month.

Paramount Rx said Tuesday that at select ShopRite supermarkets, the retailer’s registered dietitians will assist with the glucose tests and share tips with customers to help prevent and treat diabetes. The screenings are designed to help individuals and families identify diabetes risk factors and mitigate the potential medical expenses of diabetes-related health care.

“ShopRite is committed to improving total health and wellness,” Natalie Menza, manager of health and wellness at ShopRite, said in a statement. “Community events like these give us the unique opportunity to raise awareness and help our customers make informed, educated lifestyle choices when it comes to their preventing and treating diseases such as diabetes.”

ShopRite is offering the free glucose screenings at stores in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Paramount Rx reported that more than 29 million Americans have diabetes, representing nearly 10% of the population, based on data from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. One in four of these people are undiagnosed and don’t seek out medical treatment, while another 86 million people over age 20 are prediabetic.

“Diabetes is a pervasive disease, but a simple blood glucose test can provide crucial information to at-risk individuals,” stated Ken Hammond, chief executive officer of Paramount Rx. “Together with ShopRite, we want to give local residents access to the expertise and resources they need to take care of themselves and their families.”

ShopRite provides customers with a range health and wellness offerings, including an assortment of better-for-you products, flu shots, blood pressure monitoring stations and in-store dietitians in many locations. The chain, part of Wakefern Food Corp., also has more than 220 pharmacies in its 260-plus supermarkets.