Savannah, GA - Diabetes is the biggest public health crisis of the 21st century, and it continues to grow to epidemic proportions. Nearly 24 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes, including 17,000 in Chatham County. Diabetes is the leading cause of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations. Since 1987 the death rate due to diabetes has increased by 45%, while the death rates due to heart disease, stroke, and cancer have declined.

Life Story:

JoAnn Hill, a Savannah native, was 30 years old when she was diagnosed with diabetes. It was 1985 and Hill was pregnant with her first child. Hill had developed gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that occurs in pregnancies but disappears when child is born.

During her first pregnancy, Hill was ordered on bed rest, diet, and insulin. "I was shocked and overwhelmed because I didn't know what diabetes was. My older sister became my support system, in helping me through daily routines," says Hill. After her son was born, blood glucose levels returned to normal and the gestational diabetes disappeared. Three years later, in 1988, Hill developed gestational diabetes again during her second pregnancy. This time, she was not ordered on bed rest or insulin; maintained normal routines. When Hill became pregnant the third time, she was scared. Dr. Persad, Hill's doctor, warned her of been diagnosed with gestational diabetes again due to the prior pregnancies. Hill did develop gestational and was put on 100 units of insulin.

A history of diabetes runs through the Hill family. Her father was not diagnosed until his 70s and died in his 90s after complications of a second amputation. Later, followed by her older sister's death related to this chronic disease. In addition to her family history, Hill's husband of 18 years also has diabetes. Hill's three children have not been diagnosed. However, if her daughter has a daughter, there is a high risk of developing diabetes.

Hill, who is now 54, struggles with the complications of type 2 diabetes. She has been admitted to hospitals numerous of times due to this disease. Blood glucose levels have either been too high or to low. At one point, Hill's doctor thought she may be insulin resistance, where the body's cells fail to utilize glucose for energy and metabolism. In 2004, Hill had a kidney transplant and was on dialysis for six months. Years later, Hill was in a coma for four days and suffered from a stroke in 2007. As a treatment plan, Hill uses 12 units of insulin after every meal and every night. Also, she has to watch her diet and exercise.

Hill understands the life-threatening complications of diabetes and wants to help others. As the number of diagnosed diabetes continues to grow, so does the need for diabetes education.

The millions of stories such as JoAnn Hill, allows the American Diabetes Association to further our mission: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association is hosting Diabetes University on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at The Armstrong Center (13040 Abercorn Street Savannah, GA 31419) for all people affected by diabetes. Doors will open at 8:15 a.m. with five sessions covering twenty topics.

Diabetes University 2009 is a full day educational program designed to educate all people affected by this disease. The program is recommended for people with diabetes, as well as family and friends of people with diabetes who have a desire to learn more about managing this disease.

Pre-registration is required for this educational program and space is limited. The pre-registration fee of $10.00 and walk-up registration fee of $15.00 per person includes entry to all of the program sessions, including the panel discussion by subject matter experts. Ask the Experts tables will offer medication interaction evaluations, glucometer diagnostics, nutrition advice, blood pressure screenings, and Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments. Registration fee can be waived upon request.

People may request a registration form by calling the American Diabetes Association at 912-353-8110 ext 3095.