PROGRAMS: GRANTS: Significant Projects: Diabetes Education Research Program

In 2005, it was estimated nearly 20.6 million people over 20 years of age have diabetes, and nearly half that amount are over 60. Diabetes is a major cause of heart problems, strokes, blindness, kidney disease and amputations. Diabetes is a significant problem among veterans, which is why the Illinois AMVETS Service Foundation felt it was important, even necessary, to pair with a top university and look into this disease.

The Illinois AMVETS Service Foundation donated $40,000 to the University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana for the start of a diabetes research program. The Illinois AMVETS has recognized this growing problem, and is working with Dr. Karen Chapman-Novakofski, Associate Professor of Nutrition, to implement a research program.

The Illinois AMVETS Diabetes Education Research Program has:

• Awarded four scholarships for graduate students working in diabetes education research.
• Provided support for students to attend diabetes continuing education programs.
• Created awareness programs.
• Conducted a needs assessment to bring diabetes education to those that need it most.

For more information, click here.