Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi’s 29th Annual Super Conference, Part 2
Posted by drbob2 on Jul 6, 2008
Among the speakers at the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi’s (www.msdiabetes.org) recent Super Conference, a sort of diabetes day, was Luis Bruno, Executive Chef for Mississippi’s Governor and Mrs. Haley Barbour. Chef Bruno presented an entertaining message before and during his preparation, on stage, of a tasty chicken dish and dessert, which he shared with several lucky members in the audience. He recounted how, while he was growing up and receiving formal education in the culinary arts, he relieved stress by eating. He enumerated the great personal and professional stresses he survived by eating. Overeating often causes diabetes or triggers it. In his case, he became huge, so morbidly obese that he became diabetic. He showed poster-sized photos of how big he had been—which brought a muffled gasp from the calorie-conscious audience. He then recounted how, with the help of God and his devoted wife, he stopped eating so much and lost well over 100 pounds. Since the photos he showed depicted a man bigger by far than anyone I saw at the Super Conference, Chef Bruno’s message was clear: If I can do it, you can do it—and still eat delicious food—just not too much and not for the wrong reasons.
Mr. Joe Solowiejczyk, a Registered Nurse, Certified Diabetes Educator, and Master of Social Work, presented an engaging session “Family Parenting, Kids Living with Diabetes,” which addressed, from a practical, common-sense perspective, many of the special challenges that families of children with diabetes face all day, every day. A talented speaker with a New York City accent, he opened with a preemptive apology, pointing out that, while he recognized that “sarcasm is considered rude in the South, it is required in New York.” He endeared himself to his audience, which included many parents and some young people, by announcing that he was a person with diabetes. He calculated, through his diabetes management, he had given himself 77,623 insulin injections. Then he drank a glass of water, stepped away from the podium, raised his arms for about a minute and said “See, no leaks.”
Mr. Solowiejczyk then turned on his Social Worker persona and pointed out that, although “diabetes is a drag” and a feeling of powerlessness is common, especially in parents of children with early diabetes, and there are many chores associated with diabetes, nevertheless there is no reason to bestow special privileges on those with Type 1 or childhood diabetes. He presented rules that help children control their diabetes but not their families. 1. No negotiating about diabetes care, insulin doses, glucose testing and diet. 2. “You don’t have to like it—just do it”. 3. Non-compliance (by a child with his or her treatment plan) and mismanagement of diabetes is like any other misbehavior. 4. Dietary indiscretions must be reported and addressed. Children are to check their blood glucose at least 4 times each day and, if their blood glucose it too low, “they should eat a Twix, Butterfinger or 3Musketeer—choose which one and do it now, or you’ll fall over.” 5. “Your insulin dose is not your own thing—yet!”
All-in-all, this diabetes day was a success. It not only informed…it inspired those who have the disease to continue life. And for those who do not have it, to stay healthy, through proper nutrition and exercise. Great ideas to move Mississippi forward.
Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi’s 29th Annual Super Conference, Part 1
Posted by drbob2 on Jul 6, 2008
The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi (www.msdiabetes.org) hosted its 29th Annual Super Conference at the Jackson Hilton on January 12, 2008. It was so well attended that it sold out. As the keynote Speaker, Rear Adm. (Ret.) Kenneth Moritsugu, MD, the former US Surgeon General noted, the energy of the audience was remarkable. Many of those attending were persons with diabetes or family members. A lot were children, including those with childhood diabetes, and young people but there were also a lot of seasoned citizens and a number of folks who just wanted to learn more about Mississippi’s biggest health problem: diabetes.
Among the exhibitors present were service groups who offered on the spot diabetes screening to attendees and pharmaceutical companies who make new types of insulin or oral drugs to treat diabetes. Companies who make devices to monitor blood glucose were also represented and one of the main sponsors of the event was a company that makes insulin pumps.
It was a very informative day and, since several presentations were presented at the same time for those following different “tracks,” I had to miss some sessions. Nevertheless, I’d like to report in this (and upcoming) blog entries, several highlights of the day, from my perspective.
Dr. Moritsugu noted that he has an unusual form of diabetes, a specific kind of adult onset Type 1 diabetes. Type One diabetes is caused by islet cells in the pancreas not producing enough insulin and is usually, but obviously not always, seen in young people. As a person with diabetes, Dr. Moritsugu was “speaking to the choir” when he noted that he, like at least some in the audience, was “terrified” when he learned of his condition. He told how he came to grips with it-and how it did not then, and does not now, matter that he is a physician and has had great experience in public health matters relating to diabetes-he still has to remember to ask his doctor about those things that bother him and has to make an effort to remember, and follow the advice his doctor gives him. (More about the DFM Super Conference next time).