Diabetes Association, UNMC to Hold Free Educational Updates on Diabetes in Grand Island, Gothenburg, Hastings, Kearney

The University of Nebraska Medical Center will hold free educational sessions on diabetes at four Nebraska sites during September, in conjunction with support group meetings of the American Diabetes Association. Open to the public, the sessions will be held in Grand Island, Gothenburg, Hastings and Kearney.

“Diabetes Mellitus: An educational Update,” will be presented for adult and adolescents with diabetes and their families. The sessions are sponsored in part by an educational grant from Bristol-Myers-Squibb.


Of the estimated 95,000 people in Nebraska, and 16 million people in the United States who have diabetes, only half know they have the disease. Diabetes, a disease for which there is no cure, was the seventh leading cause of death in Nebraska in 1993. This year, more than 178,000 in the U.S. will die from the disease and its complications.


“The University Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases is here to support diabetes education in rural as well as metropolitan areas,” said Jennifer Larsen, M.D., director of the UNMC University Diabetes Center. “We will also be doing programs for health professionals in various hospitals.”


Speakers from the UNMC University Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases will include: Jennifer Larsen, M.D., Susan Henley, M.D., Peg Struebing, physician assistant, Mary Ludwig and Joyce Wilson, nurse educators, Maxine McElligott, registered dietician and Timothy Ford, exercise physiologist. Topics include what’s new in diabetes care, medications, monitoring devices, nutrition, exercise and the relationship between good glucose control and prevention of complications.


Those interested in attending should call contacts at one of the following educational sessions:


City Date Time Contact: Grand Island Monday, Sept. 15 7 to 9 p.m. Connie Kulwicki (St. Francis Medical Center O’Brien Conference Center) (308) 389-5565 Gothenburg Tuesday, Sept. 16 7 to 9 p.m. Kayleen Jensen (Memorial Hospital Wellness Center) (308) 537-3661 Hastings Thursday, Sept. 18 6:30 potluck dinner Betty Weston (Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital 7 to 9 p.m. meeting (402) 461-5318 Medical Services Bldg.) Kearney Friday, Sept. 19 Noon-1 p.m. Karen Crocker (Richard Young Psychiatric Hospital Board Room) (308) 865-7093.


UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the state. Through its commitment to research, education and patient care, UNMC has established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for cancer research and treatment and solid organ transplantation. Nearly $25 million in research grants and contracts are awarded to UNMC scientists annually. In addition, UNMC’s educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution. -30- diabtour