American Medical Association Media Briefing 'Diabetes: Understanding & Advancements'

To: Assignment Desk, Medical and Health reporters

Contact: American Medical Association Media Relations, 312-464-2410 or http://www.ama-assn.org

News Advisory:

More than 6 percent of the population in the United States has been diagnosed with diabetes. Experts say the actual percentage may be much higher because many cases go unrecognized. Current research indicates that education, disease management and a healthy lifestyle may delay and even prevent the onset of diabetes and its resulting complications. Join leading experts in the field as they discuss these findings and the latest advances in treatment.

WHERE: The Millennium Broadway Hotel, 145 West 44th St., New York

DIAL-IN: Media who cannot attend in person can register and listen to the press conference via a toll-free number: 800-946-0774. The password to enter the call is: 4315085. Electronic versions of the presentations will be available during the briefing and for a limited time afterward at www.ama-assn.org/go/briefings.

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 27, 2005, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

MORE INFO: AMA Media Relations, 312-464-2410 or http://www.ama-assn.org/go/briefings

Briefing Topics

-- Breaking News from the journal Pediatric Diabetes: New research helps physicians determine who's most at risk for type 1 diabetes-and how quickly the disease may develop.

-- Treating Diabetes: Today and in the Future:

o Today: Revolutionary treatments, such as insulin inhalers and oral medications, transfer successfully into the clinical setting.

o The Future: Now in clinical trials, islet-cell transplantation may eliminate the need for insulin treatments in diabetics.

-- Gaining Control of Diabetes-Associated Complications:

Heart problems are the most common reasons people with diabetes end up hospitalized, and they are also more likely to suffer from kidney disease, eyesight conditions and foot problems. Treating diabetes involves preventing and managing these conditions as well.

-- Gestational Diabetes:

What does it mean for expectant mothers and their offspring? Treatment and post-delivery monitoring may reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

(Supported with educational funding from Novo Nordisk.)