The First Conference Ever to Focus on South Asians and Diabetes: May 20, NYC

May 14, 2009

NEW YORK—(U.S. ASIAN WIRE)— The Friedman Diabetes Institute of Beth Israel Medical Center and South Asian Health Initiative (SAHI) of NYU's Center for Immigrant Health will present a Roundtable Conference with the focus on “South Asians & Diabetes” on Wednesday, May 20 from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Podell Auditorium, Bernstein Pavilion, Beth Israel Medical Center (First Avenue and 16th street).

Members of the press are invited to attend this closed-door session. Dozens of registered participants include a diverse set of individuals working on diabetes in the South Asian community such as physicians, community organizations, nutritionists, policymakers and researchers. Participants will work together to find best solutions to the diabetes epidemic that is facing the community.

South Asians are seven times as likely to develop diabetes as compared to white Americans. The community also has the highest reported rates of diabetes among immigrant communities here in the United States.

The Friedman Diabetes Institute's ADEPT (the Queens Action for Diabetes Education Prevention & Treatment) project has been addressing this issue by engaging with doctors serving South Asian community members with diabetes as well as community organizations. In addition to setting up a network of these doctors, the ADEPT team has been providing free glucose testing, diabetes and nutrition education, and referrals to community members at places of worship, senior centers, airports and other community locales. The ADEPT project is made possible through a grant from the New York State Health Foundation.

The Gerald J. Friedman Diabetes Institute at Beth Israel Medical Center offers innovative methods to help patients control blood sugar levels and avoid serious health complications from diabetes. The Institute also conducts both basic and clinical diabetes research. Their mission is best summarized by the acronym C.A.R.E.: clinical care of patients; increased public awareness of diabetes; research into causes and mechanisms of diabetes; and education of patients, general public and health professionals about diabetes. The goal of these activities is to provide better management of the disease, prevent complications and achieve optimal health.

For more information or to attend the Roundtable Conference on May 20th please contact Claire O'Connor at oconnorpr@aol.com (212-245-5784).


Contact:
Contact:
Claire O'Connor
Claire O'Connor Public Relations, Inc.
212-245-5784
oconnorpr@aol.com