Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 26, Number 8, 1 August 2009 — Hawaiʻi lsland Diabetes Conference 2009 [ARTICLE]

Hawaiʻi lsland Diabetes Conference 2009

The Akaka Falls Lions Club is sponsoring an educational conferenee for residents of Hawai'i Island on dealing with diabetes mellitus - a disease of particular eoneem to Native Hawaiians. The Aug. 29 eonference at the Hilo High School cafeteria is designed to educate people about the inherent risks of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and the types of preventive measures available to help people to live healthier, happier and more productive lives. Most Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes, whieh occurs when the body develops resistance to insulin. A report from the John A. Burns School of Medicine indicated that

Native Hawaiians have the secondhighest rate of Type 2 diabetes in the nation. The average age of a Native Hawaiian being diagnosed with diabetes is 42.9 years of age, the youngest of all minority groups in the state. Native Hawaiians also have the highest diabetes mortality rate of any ethnic group in the state: 47 deaths per 100,000 population. Diabetes is a self-managed disease that requires individuals to take responsibility for their day-to-day care. The goal of the conference is to improve the heahh care and overall quality of life for Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and other ethnic groups residing in Hawai'i. The conference runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration and heahh screenings start at 9 a.m. Seating is limited. To register, download a form at hawaiilions.org by clicking on "go direct to Announcements" under "Latest District 50 News." For conference information, eall Tracy Aruga in Hilo at 808-933-0548 or 808-443-3396.