Medical Summit to Propose Solutions to Life-Threatening Complications for Hospitalized Patients with Diabetes 12/15/2003
From: Michelle Weber of Stewart Communications Ltd., 312-751-0147 ext. 226; or Sissy Crabtree of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, 904-353-7878 News Advisory: -- Major Medical Groups to Assess Managing Blood Sugar Levels A Common Cause of Disability or Death -- Elevated Blood Sugar Levels in Hospitalized Patients a Common Complication, Even Among Non-Diabetics Hospitals have long been struggling with how to manage the care of patients when it comes to blood sugar levels. Currently each hospital has its own or no standards for in-hospital blood glucose monitoring and management of patients with diabetes. Clinical trials show that controlling blood glucose reduces complications, improves survival, shortens hospital stays and saves health care dollars. During a two-day consensus conference (December 14-15), top international medical experts will address the problem of inpatient diabetes and metabolic control by analyzing available data on inpatient blood sugar management. They will then recommend strategies that hospitals and doctors can use to prevent patients from becoming sicker or dying as a result of their illness. These experts will announce their conclusions at a news conference on December 16. WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 16 -- 8:30 am, Breakfast -- 9:00 a.m., Press Conference WHERE: National Press Club, Holeman Lounge, 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC WHO: The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and the American College of Endocrinology (ACE) will bring together international leaders in diabetes care and management to review recent research and determine the impact of this research on glycemic management in the inpatient setting. Other organizations participating in this landmark conference include the American Association of Diabetes Educators, American College of Cardiology, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, American Society of Anesthesiologists, The Endocrine Society, Society of Critical Care Medicine, Society of Hospital Medicine, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons. AACE is a professional medical organization with more than 4,500 members in the United States and 70 other countries. Founded in 1991, AACE is dedicated to the optimal care of patients with endocrine disorders. For more information about AACE, visit the Web site http://www.aace.com. ------ Reporters and Editors: On the day of the briefing please call 800-731-1098 to participate in the teleconference that will start at 9 a.m. or you call 202-662-1216 to schedule a post-briefing interview. |