The event, which also includes a health fair, is sponsored by the non-profit American Diabetes Association, Pacific Northwest Region. The program has been successful because there has been an information explosion about diabetes and it's very hard to keep up with all the news. Dr. Steven Edelman, himself a Type 1 diabetic, organizes the conferences in diffferent cities. He is associate professor of medicine at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. Some 18 million Americans have diabetes, a chronic, progressive condition that often results in blindness, heart disease, obesity and high blood pressure.
Preventive measures can help avoid future complications.
New drugs are available to help control blood sugar levels, obesity, impotence, stomach problems and high cholesterol, while advances have been made in insulin pumps and monitors. Mathers has struggled with both diabetes and weight problems and will encourage people to take control of their illness. The fee includes a banquet lunch.