The Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) is collaborating with the Canadian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (CSEM) to host the 17th Professional Conference and Annual Meetings, which is taking place in Winnipeg, in Manitoba, Canada, between October 22 and 25. The conference aims to gather health care professionals and scientists from all over the country to discuss the latest research on care and management of diabetes.
The lectures will start on Thursday, October 23 at 8:30 am, with a session on “Moving Beyond Diet and Exercise,” which will address the influence of factors like the intrauterine environment, pregnancy, stress and family history, in addition to diet and exercise, and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, by Heather Dean, MD, FRCPC, from Winnipeg. “A Health-Centred Approach to Diabetes Management,” held by Michael Vallis, PhD, R Psych, from Halifax, Nova Scotia, will focus on the emotional and psychological challenges faced by diabetes patients, with a special emphasis on diabetes distress, which the researcher has demonstrated to affect about half of all diabetes patients.
“This year’s Professional Conference promises to be one of the best! Included will be symposia, workshops, lectures, meet-the-professor sessions, oral and poster abstract presentations, exhibits and co-developed sessions,” invites the CDA on their website. “Of special interest this year will be an expanded full-day Primary Care Providers Symposium on Saturday.”
Jonathan McGavock, PhD, from Winnipeg, will be responsible for “Rethinking Behavior Change for Youth with Type 2 Diabetes,” focusing on the prevention of the disease in younger patients and the influence of under-recognized social determinants of health. Also regarding prevention, but of complications and in type 1 diabetes, Bernard Zinman, CM, MD, FACP, FRCPC, from Toronto, Ontario, will present results from his study revealing that diabetes complications can be reduced by managing the disease intensively.
“Breaking Discoveries in Diabetes,” by Josie Geller, PhD, R Psych, from Vancouver, British Columbia, will question whether the relation between physicians and patients can improve health care. Yoni Freedhoff, MD, CCFP, from Ottawa, Ontario, will hold a lecture on “The Mythology of Modern-Day Dieting,” in which he will help the health care providers identify and fight the main myths regarding dieting and diabetes.
“Of course, a most important feature at every conference is networking. We have attempted to ensure time for you to meet your colleagues throughout the day. We are excited to be hosting an amazing Thursday evening Festive Evening Gala at the brand-new Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The reception will include time to relax and socialize with friends and colleagues, tour this wonderful new museum, enjoy the entertainment and partake of some light refreshments,” the event planners added.
In addition to the lectures, Olympic gold medalist Jennifer Jones will be presenting the Isabel Lockerbie Address, on an inspirational talk, during which the athlete will share her Olympic journey and her life and her family’s has been affected by diabetes. The conference will be held at the RBC Convention Centre, in Winnipeg and can be followed online trough the Twitter using @DiabetesAssoc and #cda14.
