Diabetes advocates work toward education

By Ahmed Hmaid

For the Daily

When LSA sophomore Dena Stein started a group for students affected by diabetes, she wasn't sure what kind of impact it would have.

"When I was thinking about starting this club, I wasn't sure there was a need for it on campus." Stein said. "But now, the response has been outstanding."

Stein founded Diabetes Support and Education, which is sponsoring activities this week to create awareness about the disease.

During Diabetes Awareness Week, sponsored by DSE, the 25-member group will aim to reach out to all diabetics at the University and to provide a platform to discuss health issues.

Throughout the week, members of DSE will also urge students and faculty to consider their family histories and see if they have any chance of developing diabetes.

Stein said symptoms for diabetes may include "extreme thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue for no reason and unexplained weight loss."

Yesterday members handed out ribbons and information on diabetes in Angell Hall. They also setup tables with information in the residence halls.

"The most important thing is for people to understand what it is and know what to do in emergencies," Stein said.

The main event of the week, a discussion titled "Diabetes: Our Past, Present, and Future," will be held today at 6 p.m. in the Parker Room of the Michigan Union.

Diabetic students will discuss how they have coped with diabetes while studying at the University.

They will be joined by guest speaker Arno Kumagi, assistant professor in internal medicine and member of the University's recently opened Diabetes Center.

Members of DSE met with SweetKids, a group of local children with diabetes. "The meeting was incredible and gave parents hope for their kids," Stein said.

A petition drive, led by DSE president Dina Stein earlier this year, collected 500 student signatures on a Congressional petition in support of finding a cure for diabetes. "This was our first real attempt to raise awareness on campus and it was definitely a good start," Stein said.

SAM HOLLENSHEAD/Daily

LSA students Sharmili Hazra, Angie Bur and Veedra Francis look at information regarding Diabetes Awareness Week yesterday in Mason Hall.