Event to focus on diabetes-depression link
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NORWICH – Dealing with diabetes on a daily basis can be challenging and sometimes frustrating. To help patients learn to cope, the Backus Hospital Diabetes Management Center is presenting “Don’t Let Diabetes Get You Down” on Thursday, Nov. 8, from 5-7 p.m. at the Backus Outpatient Care Center on Salem Turnpike in Norwich.
“The topic of diabetes and depression has been coming up more and more,” said Jane O’Friel, Education Coordinator for the Backus 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 event, which coincides with National Diabetes Education Week and includes:
- A discussion of self-management of diabetes and living with the disease.
- Dr. Brian Benton, Medical Director of Psychiatric Services at Backus Hospital and Lori Welcome, a 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 with the Backus Center for Healthcare Integration, will lead a brief yoga exercise to release tension and enhance breathing.
- Educational materials, products for self management of diabetes and light refreshments.
Registration is required by calling 889-8331, ext. 4092.