| November 03, 2009 | Media contact: Shantell Kirkendoll E-mail: smkirk@umich.edu Phone: 734-764-2220 |
U-M World Diabetes Day Health Fair hosted Nov. 14
Free health screenings and special presentations will be offered to help prevent and manage diabetes
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Meet the experts:
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The University of Michigan Comprehensive Diabetes Center will host its third annual U-M World Diabetes Day Health Fair from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Four Points by Sheraton-Ann Arbor, 3200 Boardwalk.
The American Diabetes Association's National Diabetes Awareness Month and the United Nations' World Diabetes Day is in November.
An estiimated 24 million children and adults in the U.S. live with diabetes (about 8% of the population), and an additional 57 million people are at risk for type 2 diabetes, the most common type. If current trends continue, 1 out of every 3 children born today will develop diabetes in their lifetime.
During the World Diabetes Day Health Fair, clinical and research professionals from the U-M Comprehensive Diabetes Center will provide the latest information on diabetes prevention and treatment, based on their ground-breaking research at U-M. All types of diabetes will be covered, including type 1, type 2, and diabetes during pregnancy. A special emphasis will be placed on avoiding diabetes and its complications.
The program offers attendees the chance to talk one-on-one with U-M diabetes experts. Topics to be covered include meal planning, glucose monitoring, exercise, weight loss, stress management, handling sick days and nutrition.
Other U-M health professionals will provide information on the effects of diabetes on the eyes, kidneys, heart, teeth/gums, and feet. Attendees also can sign up to participate in diabetes research studies.
Free blood glucose, cholesterol (total and HDL), and blood pressure screenings will be available. Free body-mass calculations and waist-to-hip ratios also will be offered, to assess obesity and determine the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes medical supply and pharmaceutical companies will also be on hand. Nicola’s Books of Ann Arbor will also display and sell popular diabetes cookbooks from 1-3 pm.
Diabetes is a serious, costly disease that leads to potentially life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage, and amputation.
According to 2007 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 out of every 5 health care dollars in the U.S., about 20 percent is spent caring for someone diagnosed with diabetes, and that people with diabetes in the U.S. incur medical expenses that are more than double that of people without diabetes. The good news is type 2 diabetes largely can be prevented.
When: 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 with special presentations at 9:30 a.m. "Diabetic Foot Care: What You Need to Know to Prevent Foot Problems," with podiatrist Crystal Holmes, DPM, CWS and at 12:30 p.m. "Healthy Eating" with Cecilia Sauter, RD, CDE, director of diabetes education.
Where: Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, 3200 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor, Mich., 48108
Cost: Free, but advance registration is requested at www.med.umich.edu/diabetes, or by calling (734) 763-0177.
Exhibitors: A full list of exhibitors and booths is available at www.med.umich.edu/diabetes
Sponsors: U-M Home Care Services, Eli Lilly & Co., Medtronic, Animas, Dexcom, and Lifescan.
Written by Amy Garber
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