Any moment can be a diabetic teachable moment.

“It’s a time when patients come in the store and they’re asking questions,” said Eric Roussell, pharmacist at CVS Pharmacy Drug Store. “It allows me to talk to them about how they take their medicine. Usually, it’s not a bad thing, just things they just don’t know or need help on.”

The Dallas County Extension office held a Diabetes Today educational conference Thursday to inform those diagnosed with diabetes or caregivers of those with diabetes about the illness.

Diabetes is a metabolism disorder, which causes a person not to be able to use glucose in food. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body.

The conference is the first step in a grant from the state Department of Public Health of $6,500 a year for five years.

“The main purpose of the grant is to form a diabetes coalition so we can have a community approach to addressing diabetes,” said Callie Nelson, Dallas County’s extension coordinator.

As people entered the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center for the day of speakers, Nelson listened to comments of relief for an informational event like the Diabetes Today event.

“Several people have come in today and said ‘when I was diagnosed with diabetes, all I got was two pamphlets from my doctor,’” Nelson said. “I haven’t had any education of how to cook correctly, how to manage it, how to plan for it, any of that.”

The reoccurring theme of each presentation led back to one issue: Take the medicine when prescribed, as prescribed, and accompany medications with proper eating and exercise.

“The medicine only works if it is in your system, and you are a diabetic every day,” Roussell said. “Not except holidays, not expect on your birthday, it’s every day.”

Nelson is also searching for volunteers to be a part of the Diabetes Today coalition, which will serve as a brainstorming group to create other programs to educate people about diabetes.

One in 10 adults have been diagnosed with diabetes, a total of more than 350,000 people in Alabama have diabetes.