Diabetes management program set for February 17

Lewiston, Maine - Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, the hormone needed to transport glucose from the blood into the cells of the body for energy. A symptom for this condition is high blood sugar. Some 29.1 million people in the United States have diabetes, including an estimated 8.1 million who are undiagnosed. About 40 percent of people diagnosed with diabetes have not achieved the blood sugar control target of an A1C level of less than 7 percent, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association for many people with diabetes. The A1C test measures average blood glucose levels over the past two-to three-month period.

On February 17 the Central Maine Endocrinology and Diabetes Center will host a free program entitled “Managing Diabetes: The Next Step” and presented by an “A1C Champion”, says Jamie Pepin, a clinical dietician and diabetic educator who is organizing the series. The goal of the 60-minute presentation, according to Pepin, is to show those with diabetes "how to optimally manage their diabetes."

The event is part of an ongoing series sponsored by pharmaceutical company Sanofi, and is part of the A1C Champions educational program that helps people learn to successfully manage their own diabetes, and share information, advice, and motivation with others.

Pepin encourages those who are interested in learning better strategies for managing their diabetes to attend this free event, which will be held beginning at 6 p.m. in Conference Room 2 at the Maine College of Health Professions, 70 Middle Street, Lewiston.

Those interested in attending the presentation or having any questions are asked to register in advance by calling 795-7520 and leaving a message with their name and phone number.