Diabetes conference starts Oct. 23

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services is sponsoring the 17th annual Diabetes Professional Conference Oct. 23-24 at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.

Registration is open. The cost to attend is $135. A discounted registration fee for students is available.

Diabetes is common and costly,” said DPHHS Director Richard Opper. “Fortunately, proper medical care and education can support all Montanans with diabetes in living full, healthy lives.”

Four experts in the field will present cutting edge research, medication therapy, and clinical tools and guidelines for meeting the needs of Montanans with diabetes, or those who are at risk for developing the disease.

“The conference is an excellent opportunity for health care professionals to learn effective ways to improve care and self-management support for their patients,” said Sarah Brokaw, Diabetes Program manager. “Sessions will address pre-diabetes, diabetes and blood pressure control.”

Keynote speaker, Dr. Peter Chase, will provide a research and therapy update for diabetes and discuss the “bionic” pancreas. Hope Warshaw, a dietitian and diabetes educator, will present on what works for healthy lifestyle change and will moderate a panel of educators, lifestyle coaches and patients on the experience of making and supporting healthy lifestyle changes.

Dr. Daniel Lackland will explain how the new blood pressure guidelines affect diabetes care. Dr. Robert Gabbay, the chief medical officer of Joslin Diabetes Center, will conclude the conference with clinical innovations in the patient centered medical home to improve diabetes care.

Continuing education credits will be available to physicians, pharmacists, nurses and dietitians.

For more information and to register, visit http://www.umt.edu/sell/cps/diabetes or call Michelle Eckert at the University of Montana School of Extended and Lifelong Learning at 406-243-6842.