Event to focus on diabetes-depression link

Woman

If you want to go:

When: Thursday, Nov. 8, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Backus Outpatient Care, 111 Salem Turnpike, Norwich.
How: To register call 889-8331, ext. 4092.

Dealing with diabetes on a daily basis can be challenging and sometimes frustrating. To help patients learn to cope, the Diabetes Management Center is presenting "Don't Let Diabetes Get You Down" as part of National Diabetes Education Week.

"The topic of diabetes and depression has been coming up more and more," said Jane O'Friel, Education Coordinator for the Diabetes Management Center and Endocrinology Services. "This program is for the average person trying to deal with a chronic illness and the challenges diabetes presents."

Nearly 21 million children and adults in the United States are living with diabetes, and another 54 million people are at-risk, according to the American Diabetes Association. As those numbers grow, so does the body of research linking diabetes to depression.

Members of the Backus Diabetes Management team will bring attention to this issue at the Nov. 8 event, which will include:

  • A discussion of self-management of diabetes and living with the disease.
  • Brian Benton, MD, Medical Director of Psychiatric Services at Backus Hospital and Lori Welcome, a licensed clinical social worker at the Backus Center for Mental Health, will discuss ways to deal with chronic illness and emotional wellbeing.
  • Carol Klammer, a registered yoga teacher, will lead a brief yoga exercise to release tension and enhance breathing.

Registration is required at the event, which will include educational materials, products for the self-management of diabetes, and light refreshments.