Amador County – Sutter Amador Hospital served the public last Friday giving information, samples and testing to Amador County residents during its 14th Annual Diabetes Information Fair.

Each year the free Diabetes Fair is offered to the community through Sutter Amador Hospital’s diabetes program. This year’s 14th Annual Diabetes Fair was held Friday (Sept. 23) in Sutter Amador Hospital’s garden courtyard and lobby.

Those who attended the fair received free educational materials and were also given the opportunity to take advantage of free blood glucose and lipid panel screenings. Certified diabetes educators from Sutter Amador Hospital’s Outpatient Diabetes Education Program and vendors were available for guests to speak with and receive valuable diabetes information.

Sutter Amador Hospital’s Certified Diabetes Educators are Mary Reed, Maureen Mooney-Michels, Geralyn da Silva and Kim Vagt, Director of Sutter Amador Hospital’s Outpatient Diabetes Education.

This year’s vendors, who each focused on various aspects of diabetes treatment, were Abbott Nutrition, Abbott Diabetes Care, Sanofi Aventis, New York Fitness, TRAC, Novo Nordisk, Lilly, Amador Lifeline, Foothill Fitness, Mini Pharmacy, At Home Care, Animas, Insulet-Omnipod, CCS Medical, Amador Athletic Club and United Home Care.

Kim Vagt, a Registered Diatician, said “diabetes is associated with an increased risk for a number of serious, life-threatening complications.” She said: “Good diabetes control can help reduce that risk and that is why our program exists today – to help our patients manage their diabetes on their own and, ultimately, reduce the risks associated with diabetes so that they can live healthy, happy lives.”

According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 20.8 million children and adults in the United States who have diabetes. That equals 7 percent of the population. Of this amount, 14.6 million have been diagnosed, with nearly one-third being unaware that they even have the disease.

In response to local need, Sutter Amador Hospital’s Outpatient Diabetes Program was developed in 1998. It is the only program in both Amador and Calaveras Counties accredited and approved by the American Diabetes Association.

Through physician referrals, patients can sign up for comprehensive diabetes education through Sutter Amador Hospital’s accredited diabetes program. Certified Diabetes Educators teach patients how to test their own blood sugar levels, the importance of nutrition, stress management, exercise, the actions of diabetes medications, and the direct correlation between what they eat and how it affects their blood sugar.

For more info on Sutter Amador Hospital’s Outpatient Diabetes Education Program, call (209)223-7448.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.