The Kovler Diabetes Center Participates in the ADA Expo

The Kovler Diabetes Center had a high-profile presence at the annual American Diabetes Association Expo, held at Navy Pier on April 16. Dr. Louis Philipson, MD, PhD, director of KDC, led a seminar about diabetes research and treatment during the convention, which attracted about 6,500 people. The event included health screenings, cooking demonstrations and product and service exhibitors throughout a convention hall.

KDC volunteers met diabetes patients and their families at a booth of their own, answering questions about the expertise and technology available at the KDC.

“The day was a great success,” said Peggy Hasenauer, executive director of the KDC. “We had a wonderful time meeting people, getting to know them and learning about their challenges and goals. In some cases, we also started the process for setting up appointments and referrals to the KDC. We are determined to give each patient the state-of-the-art care they deserve.”

Upcoming events in which the KDC will be involved include Chicago Diabetes Day and the JDRF Family Day. Click here for more details on these and other events.

The Kovler Diabetes Center hosts “Living Well with Diabetes”

Dr. Ian Smith, Special Speaker at "Living Well" Event

Ian Smith, MD, of VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club, has a special message for diabetes patients. “I am an avid believer that while there is no cure for diabetes, it’s very manageable,” Dr. Smith said. “You can lose 10 or 15 pounds and start making a difference. Here’s the key: You have to want it.” Dr. Smith was a special guest speaker at the 5th annual “Living Well with Diabetes” seminar hosted by the Kovler Diabetes Center in April.  (Other speakers included Dr. Lou Philipson and Dr. Monica Peek of the Kovler Diabetes Center.)  A graduate of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Dr. Smith shared his family’s history with diabetes and his own vision for a world where obesity rates are dramatically lower.

“My grandmother was from the South, and we ate a lot of soul food when I was young,” Dr. Smith told the more than 100 attendees of the “Living Well” event at the University of Chicago Medical Center. He said the diet, heavy in fried food and carbohydrates, likely contributed to his grandmother’s diagnosis of diabetes later in life. It was a turning point for Dr. Smith, a first-year medical student at the time. Originally interested in orthopaedics, he began studying diabetes and obesity. Today, he is a nationally recognized medical expert on the subject of health and fitness, an author of eight books, the host of a nationally syndicated radio show and a guest on television programs such as “The View,” “The Tyra Banks Show,” “Larry King Live,” “Anderson Cooper 360” and “Showbiz Tonight.”

When his grandmother was diagnosed with diabetes, Dr. Smith began encouraging her to exercise, and she quickly joined a gym. After six weeks, her blood sugar levels had dropped significantly, and her physician cut her medication in half. Dr. Smith said with the future of health care reform uncertain, Americans need to empower themselves to manage their own health. “And you’re not too old, or too large, or too undereducated to make a difference,” he said. “You can take simple steps.”

Attendees of Kovlers "Living Well with Diabetes" Event

Dr. Smith said it’s also important to impart these lessons to the next generation. “My son is more likely to reach for a pepper than a candy bar,” he said. “It’s our job to guide our kids in making balanced choices. It can be done. You just have to be patient.” He added it is critical for diabetic patients to check their blood glucose levels regularly and to stay under the care of medical professionals. “Diabetes is not like treating your own cold or a virus,” he said. “A professional needs to be watching your blood glucose levels and your medications.”

“Life is very transient,” Dr. Smith said. “It goes very quickly. Sometimes you have to take a step back and look at the landscape of your life. Think about where you want it to go.”

Dr. Ian Smith’s latest project, “The Makeover Mile,” takes place June 4 in Chicago. This family-friendly event is free and will offer health screenings, cooking demonstrations, giveaways of fitness equipment, activities for children, referrals to health care providers, and a one-mile walk for those who wish to participate. To register, go to www.makeovermile.com.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with diabetes, contact the Kovler Diabetes Center for information, resources or to schedule an appointment with one of their many specialists.