Taking Control of Your Diabetes

This organization offers annual, nation-​wide, diabetes-​education events for the general community and the medical profession, which you can access on their website:
In my review, I will focus on the Hawai’i conference–
In Honolulu, this organization holds an annual, open-​to-​the-​general-​public, one-​day conference, at the Hawai’i Convention Center, which is well worth the $ 15 online advance registration fee or the $ 20 walk-​in fee on the day of the conference (usually late April). If you’re diabetic, or help take care of someone who is, such as a family member, it’s such a cheap cost, for a day of up-​to-​date panels and talks about different aspects of diabetes care and ongoing research, one-​on-​one consultation with medical experts specializing in the disease (dentists, podiatrists, endocrinologists, nurses, and so on), lots of free swag (recipes, gadgets/​tools, info handouts, etc.) from medical companies and offices and community health organizations, cooking demos (when I went, it was by the wonderful, Pacific-​Rim-​cuisine genius Chef Mavro, who also prepared the 3-​course lunch included in your ticket) and healthy snacks, and even a concert by Hawai’i pidgin comedian Frank DeLima (who’s a diabetic himself).
Every year, the sessions and their speakers are different, with current information on exciting medical studies, new technology/​pharmaceuticals, helpful care practices, and the implications for diabetes, explained in clear, easy to understand ways. It’s positive, fun, and community-​oriented. There’s even a special, all-​day track for medical specialists such as doctors, dentists, and nurses, which focuses on treatment and patient care/​education. My healthcare provider attended this conference, and went to entire different events than I did.
The information is not just medical but also social and emotional (how to get your loved ones, who have diabetes, to follow new diet and nutrition guidelines, as well as test their blood sugar regularly; how to deal with diabetes-​related depression; etc.). You will feel supported and more knowledgeable, but the process is not boring or lecture-​y. You get so much more than is worth the relatively small registration fee you pay.
Great community health education!