Diabetes Awareness Month activities highlight efforts to combat this chronic condition

November was Diabetes Awareness Month, a time when communities across the country seek to bring attention to diabetes.  This November, the Diabetes Institute in the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine marked the month with special events that reflect a commitment to its mission to improve the lives of those affected by diabetes. 

“Diabetes Awareness Month is a time for us to shed light on the way diabetes is impacting millions in our country, and in particular has a disproportionate impact on the region of southeast Ohio. The activities of the Diabetes Institute during this month reflect the ways we are working to combat this chronic condition – both at the local level through community programming and through our innovative translational research programs,” said Elizabeth Beverly, co-director of the Diabetes Institute.

“Diabetes Awareness Month is a time for us to shed light on the way diabetes is impacting millions in our country, and in particular has a disproportionate impact on the region of southeast Ohio,” said Elizabeth Beverly, co-director of the Diabetes Institute.

As part  of the month’s activities, the institute sponsored an Ohio University Men’s Basketball game and Football game, encouraging everyone in attendance to know their risk for developing prediabetes. Families who attend the annual Cat Camp diabetes day camp were invited as guests of the institute and made an on-court appearance. at the basketball game. 

The institute also made a series of social media posts aimed at highlighted the experience of community members engaged with their programming. 

In addition, the Diabetes Institute held a research seminar on World Diabetes Day highlighting the range of diabetes related research conducted by institute members – with seven researchers presenting their work. 

“The Diabetes Institute at Ohio University has research investigators working in multi-disciplinary areas ranging from basic and translational research in various endocrine organs and tissues to clinical research in human subjects,” said Vishwajeet Puri, co-director of the Diabetes Institute. “Our investigators are also working towards developing therapeutics for Diabetes and related comorbidities.”

The Diabetes Institute is focused on research, clinical care, education, and community outreach. The institute’s programming includes diabetes education and prevention for the community, a diabetes summer camp for children living with diabetes, diabetes navigation support for community members, continuing education opportunities for health care professionals, and support of a broad range of research initiatives aimed at improving diabetes treatment and care.