Ironton businessman Joe Unger earned an award Friday night for his work with diabetes.

Unger, who has lived with diabetes for more than 28 years, was honored with the American Diabetes Association's community service award during a ceremony at the Ashland Plaza Hotel.

The award is the single highest award an individual can receive from the ADA, Unger said. He also won the award in 1996.

"I was humbled. I was very honored and very, very thankful," Unger said, of the award honoring his volunteer work speaking to area groups about diabetes.

"I do that as a fellow diabetic to another diabetic. Š to get (awarded for it), I was very, very honored, appreciative and excited," he said.

Unger is co-owner of Unger Shoe Store in downtown Ironton.

"We specialize in fitting diabetic shoes, too," he said.

Unger has given presentations on footcare for diabetics and other topics to groups with King's Daughters Medical Center, Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital, the Joslin Diabetes Center at St. Mary's Medical Center and the Marshall University Diabetes Center.