Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association (DESA) National Conference
December 4-6, 2003, University of Chicago’s Gleacher Center

Special feature by
Matthew H. Corcoran, M.D.
University of Chicago/ Department of Medicine
Board of Directors, Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association

Join the Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association (DESA) at their National Conference, December 4-6, 2003 at the University of Chicago’s Gleacher Center (downtown Chicago) to learn about the difference exercise can make in you or your patient’s health. The conference brings together distinguished experts from across the country who will share their expertise and knowledge of diabetes and exercise. There will be workshops for adults, children/adolescents, as well as their healthcare providers, on nutrition, fitness, and healthcare strategy. Meet those who exercise for health, as well as athletes of all levels and hear their approach to competing with diabetes. The full program is available on line at www.diabetes-exercise.org.

DESA has a single focused mission: to teach healthy and safe exercise strategies in the treatment and prevention of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is the leading national nonprofit diabetes organization dedicated to diabetes health, wellness and prevention through exercise. The mission is to enhance the quality of life for people with, or at-risk for diabetes. In order to achieve this mission, DESA has several objectives. DESA aims to educate people of all ages with diabetes, as well as their health-care providers, about the importance of incorporating exercise into the daily routine. DESA creates opportunities for those with diabetes to participate in a broad range of recreational and athletic activities by enhancing the self-care and self-management skills of active individuals with diabetes, as well as improving the clinical skills of health professionals working with active individuals with diabetes. DESA promotes networking among the physically active with, or at-risk for diabetes, by providing a forum for the exchange of information, as well as access to resources and role models.

Visit with Steve Freed our Publisher at the DESA conference in Chicago. Diabetes In Control was proud to honor DESA member, Rick Philbin, as our most fit manufacturers rep at the 2002 AADE conference. (Rick Philbin –left with Steve Freed)

DESA is challenged by addressing this mission within a very diverse population. We strive to cater to the “couch potato” who wants to learn the basics of how to get started, as well as the accomplished athlete with type 1 diabetes. Those with type 1 diabetes are continually challenged by the delicate balance of insulin therapy, exercise, and nutritional supplementation, and are continually walking the balance beam between high and low blood sugars throughout their exercise. We aim to educate this population with healthful strategies to allow them to exercise and compete healthfully, first and foremost, and then hopefully, more successfully. Those with type 2 diabetes have impaired insulin action and secretion, typically due to combination of genetic risk, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise improves insulin action in the body, and in combination with weight loss and nutrition therapy, is the first-line of therapy for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Therefore, DESA continues to educate patients and their healthcare providers of the innumerable cardiovascular and metabolic benefits that those with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes will derive from an exercise regimen. We will work with educators and health care providers to teach strategies to implement for patient compliance and success, and we will do hands-on exercise training for those who need to learn how to implement and exercise program in their own life.

Join DESA-Chicago and the Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association at their December Conference- December 4-6th, 2003- downtown Chicago at the University of Chicago’s Gleacher Center. Sign on to www.diabetes-exercise.org, or call DESA at 1-800-898-4322 to register today.

Matthew H. Corcoran, M.D. is Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology University of Chicago Hospitals, Chicago, Illinois and a Board Certified Diplomate in Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Metabolism, He is also the founder of DESA-Chicago the Local/Midwest chapter of the Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association. Dr. Corcoran will be providing articles for DiabetesinControl from time to time.

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