FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb 13, 2009

St. John’s Mercy Hospital Diabetes Education Series

The St. John’s Mercy Hospital Nutrition and Diabetes Wellness Center will host “Medication Therapy in Diabetes Mellitus: A Brief Overview” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5, in Classroom A in the Educational Services Department at St. John’s Mercy Medical Building, 851 E. Fifth Street in Washington.

“This presentation is available for any person with diabetes or who has an interest in learning more about diabetes Self-Management,” said Linda Hussey, RN, and Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE).

David Walker, doctor of pharmacy (PharmD), Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator at St John’s Mercy Hospital, will present the event.

“As Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator at St John's Mercy Hospital, Dr. Walker researches medications for efficacy and safety,” said Hussey. “He will be sharing some knowledge to assist you in improving your Diabetes Self-Management skills.”

Diabetes mellitus, or type 2 diabetes, is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by high blood glucose in the context of insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. The long-term side effects include cardiovascular disease, chronic renal failure, retinal damage, blindness, and nerve or vascular damage. Diabetes is often managed by a change of diet, increased exercise and medications.

Diabetes affects over 150 million people worldwide and is likely to double by 2025. According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 23 million people in the United States, or 8 percent of the population, have diabetes, 90 percent of whom are type 2. Because of rapidly increasing diagnosis rates among children and adults, the CDC has characterized diabetes as an epidemic.

Admission is free and family members are welcome to attend. Following the presentation, guests will have a chance to ask questions. Reservations are not required. For more information, call 636-239-8248.

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