Diabetes experts moving closer to finding cure

VANCOUVER, Oct. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - The top healthcare experts from around the world are exchanging ideas in Vancouver until Saturday, October 13, at the Vancouver Convention Centre for the 15^th Annual Conference of the Canadian Diabetes Association/Canadian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism. Sharing the latest innovations and research findings, they are focused on ways to improve the lives of those living with diabetes and move closer to finding a cure for this health epidemic.

Complications from diabetes account for 80 per cent of diabetes costs and yet those complications can be prevented or delayed through a more comprehensive secondary prevention strategy.  Unlike many other chronic diseases, diabetes can be managed effectively, allowing people with diabetes to live long and healthy lives.  However, diabetes education, which is critical for effective self-management, is not uniform across jurisdictions, much less across the country.

Celebrating its 15^th year, the conference has attracted over 2,500 delegates worldwide and focuses on a range of diabetes-related topics including; obesity, Aboriginal populations, women and diabetes and best practices in diabetes management to novel cell-based treatments and new insights into the impact of diabetes on organ functions.

Canadian country music artist George Canyon will also speak about his personal battle with diabetes at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Media attendance and interviews
Media wishing to attend the remaining sessions can register in advance to ensure quicker access to the conference. In addition, a conference syllabus is available on request and interviews with event speakers or people living with diabetes can be coordinated through Chris Olsen at [email protected].

Access news releases and real time updates from our Social Media Newsroom at www.pitchengine.com/cda.  Follow the conference at #CDA12

A Look Ahead - Conference Highlights

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre, West Building

Friday, October 12

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.					#21					Closer to a Cure?
										Presenter: Dr. Carla Greenbaum, Seattle, WA
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.					#28					The Ages & Stages of Women Living with Diabetes
										Presenters: Dr. Maureen Clement, Vernon, B.C.
										Kerri Sparling, Coventry, R.I.
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.					#34					Hot Topic Lecture:  Implications of the ORIGIN Trial Results
										Presenter: Dr. Hertzel Gerstein, MSc, Hamilton, Ont.

Saturday, October 13

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.					#37					Isabel Lockerbie Address
										Presenter: Country star George Canyon
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.					#42					Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose: Monitoring with Meaning
										Presenters:  Dr. David Miller, FRCPC, Cert Endo, Cert Epi, Victoria, B.C.
										Lori Berard, RN CDE, Winnipeg, Man.

About the Canadian Diabetes Association

The Canadian Diabetes Association is a registered charitable organization, leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our professional staff and more than 20,000 volunteers provide education and services to help people in their daily fight against the disease, advocate on behalf of people with diabetes for the opportunity to achieve their highest quality of life, and break ground towards a cure. Please visit diabetes.ca, join us on facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation, follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).

SOURCE: Canadian Diabetes Association

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