Patients With Diabetes

[MaryOld]

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
Calls for Patients With Diabetes to Take Charge of Their Health

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 17 /PRNewswire/ -- New information about diabetes and the treatment of this growing nationwide epidemic can create confusion on how patients should handle their health. ?The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) takes a strong stand on the diabetes patients' involvement in their care.

The recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) which brought attention to potential side effects caused by metformin, also sold as Glucophage, is an example of this distribution of incomplete information. ?Metformin, used regularly by a very large number of patients, has shown a unique utility for patients by helping to control diabetes while maintaining or even losing weight, which is important because of the link between obesity and diabetes. ?Furthermore, extensive metformin use has been associated with a strong safety record.

AACE created the Intensive Diabetes Self-Management System, which includes an AACE Patient/Physician Contract. (http://www.aace.com/pub/pf/index.php) This contract clearly outlines the physician and patient's responsibilities for living with diabetes.

AACE encourages patients with diabetes to talk to their physicians about any public information about diabetes. ?"It is important for patients to understand all the benefits and side effects of medications and treatments," stated AACE president, Hossein Gharib, MD, FACE. ?"Endocrinologists, the diabetes specialists, have been educating patients as well as other physicians as to the proper use of medications including metformin."

AACE is a professional medical organization with over 4,000 members in the United States and 74 other countries. ?Founded in 1991, AACE is dedicated to the optimal care of patients with endocrine problems. ?AACE initiatives inform the public about endocrine diseases. ?AACE also conducts continuing education programs for clinical endocrinologists, physicians whose advanced, specialized training enables them to be experts in the care of endocrine disease, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, growth hormone deficiency, osteoporosis, cholesterol disorders, hypertension and obesity.

For further information, visit AACE Online at http://www.aace.com.

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SOURCE ?American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists ?

CO: ?American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists

ST: ?Florida

SU:

http://www.prnewswire.com
? 05/17/2002 09:24 EDT