Published: September 29, 2009 07:24 am      

Conference to offer tips for diabetics

“Diabetes has a long-term affect. If you don’t take care of yourself, someone will end up taking care of you.”

Rhonda DeVor, an OSU extension educator for Woodward County, explained that since diabetes affects vision, circulation and insulin levels, “people with diabetes have to take care of the whole body -- eyes, hands, feet and diet.”

To encourage people with diabetes to take care of themselves, an informative conference on the topic will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at High Plains Technology Center.

“This conference will address healthy eating behaviors in children, holiday cooking for the diabetic and diabetic meal planning and portion sizes,” she said.

A nutrition education specialist will also address standards of diabetic care and a registered Woodward pharmacist will discuss diabetic foot care.

The conference includes information on the role nutrition plays in diabetes management, diabetic resources available in the community, ways to cope with diabetes and provides new recipes and an opportunity to talk to specialists, pharmacists and dietitians, DeVor said.

The OSU extension services of Woodward County, Dewey County and Ellis County are sponsors of the event.

“This is the first time the three counties have done this,” she said. “I think it will be a really good thing. Everybody knows someone who is diabetic and can benefit from the program.”

For more information about the conference, DeVor can be reached by calling (580) 254-3391.