News Release

June 19, 2007

Contact: Christopher DeFrancesco, 860-679-3914
e-mail: cdefrancesco@uchc.edu

New Diabetes Educator at UConn Health Center

Classes Available on- and off-campus

FARMINGTON, CONN. – Jean Kostak, M.S., R.D., CD-N, has joined the University of Connecticut Health Center as its new diabetes education specialist.

“Quite often we hear people say, ‘I have borderline diabetes’ or ‘I have a touch of sugar,’” Kostak says. “It is important for patients to talk with their health care professional about what this really means. Whether the diagnosis is diabetes or pre-diabetes, education is critical.”

The UConn Health Center offers several diabetes education programs, including the “Diabetes Self-management,” “Meal Planning and Carbohydrates,” and “New to Diabetes Care” workshops. Attendees are encouraged to bring their partner or support person to the sessions.

“Once diagnosed, diabetes is lifelong, but it is controllable,” Kostak says. “We have group and individual classes here in Farmington and at the UConn offices in West Hartford, East Hartford and Simsbury. They’re taught by dietitians and nurses.”

Kostak joins the UConn Health Center after 11 years with the Joslin Diabetes Center in New Britain. She is available for interviews as a diabetes expert.

Patients who wish to register for group sessions or make an individual appointment should call 860-679-7692 or 800-535-6232.

Download a high-resolution photo of Jean Kostak at: http://www.uchc.edu/ocomm/images/images_news/kostak.jpg.

The University of Connecticut Health Center includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, the UConn Medical Group, University Dentists, and John Dempsey Hospital, a Solucient Top 100 Hospital® 2006. 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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