From the Novi Patch

Local Breakthrough T1D Chapter Hosts One of Nation’s Largest Diabetes Conferences

April 22, 2013

Daylong event, in partnership with WCCCD, presents latest in diabetes management and research at no charge to attendees

One of the largest diabetes conferences of its kind in the United States, the Breakthrough T1D 6th Annual Diabetes Today and Tomorrow Conference and Exhibits, will take place Saturday, May 18, 2013, presented in partnership with the Wayne County Community College District – Western Campus in Belleville, Mich. More than 1,000 people with insulin-dependent (T1D) and insulin-requiring (T2D) diabetes, their family members and medical care professionals will gather to hear the latest in leading-edge research, treatment advances and care strategies from internationally recognized experts.

Produced by Breakthrough T1D Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan, the event’s focus this year is “Diabetes in the Age of Technology” and begins at 8:30 a.m. There is no cost for attendance, but pre-registration is required. Registration is available online at www.JDRFMichiganEast.org.

The conference opens with keynote speakers William V. Tamborlane, M.D. of Yale School of Medicine discussing insulin pump therapy and Bruce Buckingham, M.D. of Stanford Hospital and Clinics reviewing the status of the artificial pancreas project.

One of the largest diabetes conferences of its kind in the United States.

In the concurrent sessions following the keynote speakers, such topics as the following will be addressed:

Technology, apps and online communities

Continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump technology

Translative care advice

Nutrition and fitness

Teen issues with T1D

Safety in schools for T1D

Advocacy and rights for T1D children

The concluding keynote speaker is Steven J. Russell, M.D., Ph.D. of Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts General Hospital Diabetes Research Center. He will focus on the automation of blood glucose control with a dual-hormone bionic pancreas.

Parents who have children, ages 5-12, with T1D can bring them to the Breakthrough T1D Kids Camp, while they attend the conference, which offers a fun-filled day of learning about the importance of diabetes management, under the guidance and supervision of trained medical personnel. Activities include arts and crafts, a magician, an animal show and other surprises throughout the day.

New this year is Teen Central, offered for 13-19-year-old individuals who have T1D. Teen Central provides opportunities to learn the latest in online diabetes-related technology, share stories and experiences with peers, ask questions and trade tips on managing T1D through the teen years. The Teen Central program involves hands-on computer training on diabetes technology, special guest speakers – including Gary Scheiner, MS, CDE talking about the T1D athlete and Tom Grossman sharing his “Race Across America” marathon run. Teen Central is directed by medical personnel and trained volunteers.

Co-chairs for the event are Michael Wood, M.D., DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich. and Abraham Thomas, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.P., Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

Attendance is limited to persons with diabetes and one or two immediate family members. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Because of space limitations, siblings without diabetes are not permitted to attend Kids Camp or Teen Central. Registration deadline is May 13, 2013.