Attendees -thirsty' for diabetes info
By HME News Staff
Updated Wed April 30, 2008
ERIE, Pa. - Nearly 2,000 people "from all over" attended a diabetes expo sponsored by the Great Lakes Diabetes Institute March 24 in conjunction with Diabetes Alert Day.
There's a growing audience for diabetes health fairs, said Diane Harbaugh, vice president of clinical services for parent company Great Lakes Home Healthcare Services.
"I think that whole stigma of people having diabetes and sticking their heads in the sand is gone," she said. "Part of that is because insurance companies are requiring it. They have to be more informed, and they have to be more knowledgeable to self-manage."
This is the sixth year the company has held its expo. The growing event moved this year to a local convention center and featured 74 exhibitors, ranging from pump and insulin manufacturers to a local non-profit for the blind.
"It gives people a platform to talk directly to the manufacturers and see what's out there," said Laurie Schneider, senior vice president of marketing and business development.
"People are thirsty for information," said Harbaugh. "More people are asking more questions and more intelligent questions."
Event attendees can fill out a feedback card for a chance to win a $100 gift card to a local mall. HME
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