A Diabetes Makeover to Last a Lifetime

Now that 2011 is in full swing, it is a great time to set goals and resolutions focused on your diabetes. TCOYD conferences and health fairs are a great way to jumpstart better control of your condition. This year’s conferences focus on the topic of individual and team-centered management of your condition, or, Your Diabetes Makeover. This concept stems from our new cutting-edge online reality series, Extreme Diabetes Makeover, which follows seven people living with diabetes on their journey to improve their blood sugars, lose weight, change their habits, eat healthier and take control of their lives. The participants also had the unique opportunity to receive information from a “dream team” of diabetes professionals including endocrinologist Dr. Steve Edelman, exercise physiologist Larry Verity, Dietitian Janice Baker, psychologist Dr. Bill Polonsky and nurse educator Angela Norton.

The show has inspired many people to take action when it comes to their diabetes. Although there are a limited number of participants featured on XDM, it has been able to evoke change in the many people who have been turned on to it. On top of the show being available for viewing 24/7 on TCOYD.org and RealAge.com (a top of the line consumer health website), we wanted to take it a step further and reach patients face-to-face at our conferences while teaching the ways of the XDM program.

At each location on our 2011 schedule , attendees will have access to various diabetes experts, hands-on workshops and specialty lectures, all aimed at empowering them to control their condition.

“Your diabetes makeover is about the conscious and significant changes you can make to your lifestyle. Controlling your diabetes is an ongoing journey, yet with cutting-edge information, plenty of motivation and unlimited access to diabetes care professionals at the events, I believe everyone is capable of doing it,” says Dr. Steve Edelman, founder and Director of TCOYD.

Dr. Edelman will open up the exciting day with a new inspirational morning talk focusing on the positive changes that the XDM participants have made in their lives (and some good jokes to boot). He will also highlight specific care plans, exercise regimens and dietary modifications that positively impacted the seven diverse participants. Focusing on a team effort in regards to diabetes care, this program will not only show patients the importance of leading their healthcare team, but it will also show their healthcare providers (through TCOYD’s innovative CME program) about an informed team approach to managing diabetes.

On behalf of the entire TCOYD team, we hope to see you at our conferences throughout the year. Remember, even if you can’t make it to a conference, you can be inspired and empowered year round by visiting our website. Let’s work together to make 2011 and beyond dedicated to living well with diabetes.

# # #