American Diabetes Association to Host Fifth Annual Disparities Partnership Forum

Conference Will Address Challenges for High-Risk Populations Living With Diabetes

Alexandria, VA – Oct 18, 2012 – With nearly 26 million adults and children living with diabetes in the U.S., and another 79 million with prediabetes, the diabetes epidemic is one of the greatest public health crises our country is currently facing. While diabetes affects Americans of all ages and walks of life, minority populations are disproportionately affected by the disease. African American, Latino/Hispanic, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native communities have a higher incidence of diabetes and are often less able to obtain the care they need to manage their disease.

To help address these challenges, the American Diabetes Association will host its fifth annual Disparities Partnership Forum, Overcoming Disparities: Diabetes Care in High-Risk Populations, beginning Oct. 22 in Washington, D.C. This two-day event will bring together a distinguished group of nationally-acclaimed health experts to explore collaborative efforts that can improve diabetes care within these communities. The goal is to reduce the disparities in diabetes by addressing the issues of cultural competency, health literacy and health equity.

“The American Diabetes Association is pleased to convene a meeting to address the health disparities faced by high-risk populations. Leaders in health care will focus on the challenges faced in the prevention, detection and management of type 2 diabetes,” said Geralyn Spollett, MSN, ANP-CS, CDE, President, Health Care & Education of the American Diabetes Association. “Communities at highest risk for diabetes often lack access to the basic resources they need to create a healthy lifestyle and the end result can be devastating. The Disparities Partnership Forum will address these problems and seek constructive ways to educate and empower high-risk populations to be proactive in reducing the impact of diabetes in their communities.”

The forum will facilitate dialogue among an interdisciplinary group, including health care professionals and practitioners, community health educators, academicians, public health officials, policy makers, researchers and patient advocacy groups. Celebrity guest honorees are actor/entertainer Ben Vereen, and David and Tamala Mann of “Meet the Browns.” This event will also serve as an educational program for health care professionals, providing Continuing Medical Education credits for participants.

Support for the Disparities Partnership Forum has been received from LifeScan Inc.; Lilly USA, LLC; Medtronic Foundation and Merck. For more information, visit diabetes.org/disparities-forum. A live stream of the forum will be available each day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at https://new.livestream.com/ADA2012/events/1615051.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes® and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

Contact:

Lauren Gleason
(703) 549-1500 ext. 2622
lgleason@diabetes.org

NT5