AADE 2015 in New Orleans, “Jazz It Up with Innovation and Engagement” was a wonderful way to recharge and network with others around the country. One of the main topics at this conference was about the changing communication landscape, and how CDE’s have the opportunity to feed the internet, mobile devices, and social media with facts and science to improve health. Another hot topic was diabetes prevention and the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). Progress is being made all over the United States in program delivery and insurance coverage. I am proud to say that South Carolina is leading the charge in diabetes prevention. We have 2 locations in South Carolina that have received a grant from AADE and the CDC to teach the National DPP. These facilities are Self Regional Hospital in Greenwood and Spartanburg Medical Center. I have included a few highlights and pictures from AADE 2015 below.
Coordinating Body and Communities of Interest Networking Event
We had at least 75 people stop by our table to chat and color in their state on our map. The winner of the raffle prize, a gift certificate to Café Du Monde, was Audrey Johnson from Wisconsin.
AADE15 Highlights
Dancing Among the Stars
This event was sponsored by Tandem Diabetes Care. It included good food, dancing, and of course an opportunity to learn more about Tandem products.
A Stroll Through New Orleans
The big event this year sponsored by Lilly and BD was held at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside hotel, and had different stations decked out New Orleans style. We also learned about their new products. BD has a new and really neat insulin infusion set coming out in 2016.
Freestyle Event and Sugar Model in the Exhibit Center
Rebecca Wise and Donna Culbertson from Greenwood were adventurous and took an air-boat ride. Rebecca was super brave and made a new friend!
Lonita Humphrey from Spartanburg looking glam at the AADE photo booth!
It was great to connect with other SC diabetes educators, learn new things, and have a great time at AADE15!