News Release

October 31, 2005

Contact: Jane Shaskan, 860-679-4777
e-mail: shaskan@nso.uchc.edu

Discovery Series Looks at Diabetes and Vascular Disease November 17

Speakers Approach Topic from Their Perspectives

FARMINGTON, CONN. – Diabetes and vascular disease are the topics of the next Discovery Series, Thursday, November 17, at 7 p.m. in UConn Health Center’s Keller Auditorium.

According 2002 statistics compiled by the American Diabetes Association, more than 18 million Americans have diabetes, but only 13 million have been diagnosed. The disease is caused by the lack of production, or proper use of, insulin, a hormone naturally produced by the body. Diabetes is often undiagnosed because symptoms, such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability and blurry vision, can seem harmless. But left undiagnosed and untreated, diabetes can result in severe complications such as, diseases of the kidney, heart and nervous system, stroke, blindness and amputations.

The Discovery program features Health Center experts, dedicated to the prevention and treatment of diabetes, who will present the latest facts about diabetes from their perspective areas of healthcare. Opening remarks will be given by Peter J. Deckers, M.D., executive vice president of health affairs, and Carolé Mensing, registered nurse, certified diabetes educator, and coordinator of the Diabetes Education Program, will introduce the speakers and join the panel to follow the presentations.

Speakers and their topics include:

• James Menzoian, M.D., professor in the Department of Surgery, will discuss the causes of vascular problems related to diabetes; when to seek help; and what treatment methods to expect.
• Pharmacist Marla Campbell, coordinator of the Medication Check-up Program, will address the issue of drug interactions, especially with over-the-counter supplements.
• Douglas Albreski, M.D., director of the Department of Podiatric Dermatology, will talk about foot care and the circulation problems associated with diabetes.
• Shirley Allen, a registered dietician with the Diabetes Education Program, will provide an overview of healthy eating for those living with, or at risk for, diabetes.

Following speaker presentations, there will be a question-and-answer panel moderated by Carl Malchoff, M.D., the director of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism.

In addition, before the program begins, healthcare professionals will be offering free blood pressure screenings from 5:45 to 6:45. Pre-registration is required for the free screening and the program. To register call UConnLink at 860-679-7692, or at 1-800-535-6232, or register at ccda@up.uchc.edu.

The University of Connecticut Health Center includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, John Dempsey Hospital, the UConn Medical Group and University Dentists. Founded in 1961, the Health Center pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service. To learn more about the UConn Health Center, visit our website at www.uchc.edu.

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