LEWISTON — The Central Maine Endocrinology and Diabetes Center will host a free program, “Managing Diabetes: The Next Step,” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17.

The program will be presented by an “A1C Champion,” said Jamie Pepin, a clinical dietician and diabetic educator who is organizing the series. The goal of the 60-minute presentation, according to Pepin, is to show those with diabetes “how to optimally manage their diabetes.”

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, the hormone needed to transport glucose from the blood into the cells of the body for energy.

Some 29.1 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, including an estimated 8.1 million who are undiagnosed. About 40 percent of people diagnosed with diabetes have not achieved the blood sugar control target of an A1C level of less than 7 percent, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association for many people with diabetes. The A1C test measures average blood glucose levels over the past two- to three-month period.

The event is part of an ongoing series and is part of the A1C Champions educational program that helps people learn to successfully manage their own diabetes, and share information, advice and motivation with others.

Pepin encourages those who are interested in learning better strategies for managing their diabetes to attend the free event, which will be held in Conference Room 2, Maine College of Health Professions, 70 Middle St.

Those interested are asked to register in advance by calling 207-795-7520 and leaving a message with their name and phone number.