NORWAY – The Diabetes Support Group, meeting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, at Stephens Memorial Hospital will feature speaker Ruth Charme as part of a special presentation by A1C Champions.

Charme, from Brooklyn, N.Y., was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1986 and talks about the importance of taking control of diabetes. The A1C Champions program was launched by saniofi-aventis in 2003 to assist those diagnosed with diabetes in overcoming the challenges and learning to control their diabetes.

Hospital Diabetes Educator Betty Sirois said, “This program is a great opportunity to hear from a person successfully managing their diabetes. Encouragement, support and suggestions will be key elements shared during this presentation. As educators, we know how difficult the disease can be for patients and their families. I hope that people will take advantage of what the A1C Champion program has to offer.”

The program brings together patients who are managing their diabetes successfully with others who strive to do so. The programs helps to empower patients to works toward an A1C test goal (a test that measures blood glucose) of less than 7 percent as recommended by the American Diabetes Association.

Staffed by two certified diabetes educators, the diabetes education program at Stephens Memorial Hospital offers insight into the prevention and self-management of the chronic disease. Classes are held on a regular basis in either a one-day or multi-class format. The program is a certified ambulatory diabetes education and follow-up program site through the Maine Diabetes Prevention and Control Program and also holds education program recognition status through the American Diabetes Association.

Stephens Memorial Hospital is an affiliates of Western Maine Health, which is a member of the MaineHealth family. Visit Western Maine Health online at www.wmhcc.org.