Our Inaugural Annual Report

On behalf of the entire leadership team at Kovler, we are honored to share our inaugural Annual Report. 

The report includes:

• The latest information regarding the global pandemic of diabetes and the rise in cases of type 1, type 2 and other genetic forms of diabetes locally, regionally and nationally.
• A reflection on the accomplishments, challenges and priorities of the Kovler Diabetes Center and the entire University of Chicago Medicine diabetes enterprise.
• Examples and highlights from Kovler’s five main pillars… We Care, We Discover, We Educate, We Unite, and We Lead.

Much of the work that the Kovler Diabetes Center has accomplished, and continues to pursue, could not happen without the generous contributions and support from our partnering individuals and organizations. While we look back and celebrate the successes of 2012, we also look forward to continuing our mission in 2013 and beyond.

We wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday season!

World Diabetes Day 2012: A Message From Kovler

To our friends-

Dr. Philipson and I just returned from a press conference to celebrate Illinois’ Diabetes Awareness Day (& World Diabetes Day) at the Thompson Center with Governor Quinn.  Distinguished guest speakers included our own Lou Philipson, alongside the new IL Dept of Public Health Commissioner, IL House Leader Tom Cross, and young diabetes advocate and ADA camper Katie Ervin.  Tune in to your news this evening to see if we get picked up!

The room was full of energy and our speakers created a much needed sense of urgency around diabetes in IL.  Thanks to our partners with the IL Diabetes Policy Coalition, the ADA, JDRF and NKFI, we have developed a tradition of partnership in Chicago and IL that will carry on in the years to come.

In addition, I want to thank all of you for your tremendous work to support Kovler and the entire diabetes community. We will connect soon re: our year-end annual report, and we are brimming with great ideas and great connections for 2013 and look forward to sharing those with you.

Thank you again,

Peggy

Peggy Hasenauer, MS, RN

Executive Director

University of Chicago

Kovler Diabetes Center

Kovler Nutrition Tips in Action: Carrot Muffins

In addition to the outstanding classes that are offered by Kovler’s certified diabetes educators, our American Diabetes Association recognized team frequently lends their expertise to our social media community by sharing nutrition tips on Facebook, Twitter, and the KovlerDaily blog!  I was recently inspired by an intriguing piece of advice:

Upon reading the tweet, I decided to test out the suggestion in my own kitchen. With guidance from educator Julia Socke, I made several modifications to a recipe for a favorite treat of mine – carrot muffins – and was able to determine the extent to which those modifications improved the treat’s nutritional value!

The Ingredient List:

1 cup raisins (I used ¾ cup of raisins and added ¾ cup of chopped walnuts for protein)
2 cups warm water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil (I used 1 cup of applesauce, per the tweeted advice!)
¾ cup brown sugar
3 cups shredded carrots

The finished product definitely passed my taste test, but I wanted to know exactly how much of a difference was made by the recommended modifications! After reviewing both the original recipe and the modified version, Julia delivered some impressive news.

The Modified Muffins

 

 Her advice:

1. Decreased the calories by 32%
2. Reduced both total and saturated fat by 66%
3. Reduced trans fat by 100%
4. Increased fiber by 24%
5. Increased protein by 18%

I am amazed by the health benefits that can come from a 140 character tweet, and I will definitely continue using the advice of Kovler’s nutritionists in the future. Thanks, Julia!

     -Kirsten Gindler, Kovler Collegiate Extern

To make Julia and Kirsten’s modified carrot muffin recipe: 

1. Combine raisins and water in a small bowl. Let soak for 15 minutes. Drain raisins, discard water and set raisins aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease muffin cups or line with papermuffin liners.
3. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, combine eggs, apple sauce and brown sugar; beat well. Combine egg mixture and flour mixture; mix just until moistened. Fold in carrots and drained raisins. Spoon into prepared muffin cups.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes.

9th Annual Diabetes EXPO

On Saturday, April 14^th the University of Chicago Medicine Kovler Diabetes Center was thrilled to be part of the 9^th Annual Diabetes EXPO at McCormick Place.  This educational event attracted more than 8,000 people with free health screenings, educational workshops, cooking demonstrations, and the latest in diabetes management and prevention.  Kovler Diabetes Center and the University of Chicago Medicine marketing team expanded our presence this year: showcasing our comprehensive services, our health care team, Kovler for Kids and InTransit programs, and more.

“The Diabetes EXPO is the largest in the country for people living with diabetes,” said Lou Philipson, MD, PhD, Director of Kovler Diabetes Center.  “We were thrilled to expand our presence with the support of the University of Chicago Medicine marketing department.  Not only did we double our space, we were able to create an experience for attendees to see the depth and breadth of the medical center as you navigate diabetes care throughout a patient’s lifespan.”

The University of Chicago Medicine Kovler Diabetes Center had an interactive space that encouraged all attendees to explore everything that we have to offer. Additionally, we were excited to have Chef Michael Digby, Sous Chef at Quay Chicago, join us and discuss his experience on Food Network’s reality show, “Fat Chef,” and his upcoming cooking demonstration at our Living Well with Diabetes event. On the main stage, Lou Philipson, MD, PhD was a keynote speaker on the “Frontiers in Diabetes Research.”

We want to thank everyone whose hard work went into making such a successful day. We are already looking forward to next year!

For more pictures, check out our Facebook,and for more information from the Diabetes EXPO, visit www.diabetes.org/chicagoexpo.

Kovler Sponsors "Care to Cure" Brunch

Earlier this month, the Kovler Diabetes Center was a sponsor of the American Diabetes Association’s 8th Annual “Care to Cure: A Sunday Brunch” at the United Club in Solider Field. More than 300 guests were hosted by special guests Ryan Baker, Sports Director at CBS2, and Roberto Garza of the Chicago Bears. Garza, whose grandfather has diabetes with significant complications, shared his personal connection to diabetes and how as a community we could work together to STOP diabetes.

Another special guest was the 2012 Local ADA Youth Ambassador, Annie Myers.  Diagnosed at the age of 7, she is the “face” of our fight against diabetes!  During her speech, she made it clear that diabetes isn’t going to stop her and that it’s “not a death sentence.”

Pictured are Katrina Sondermann, Daphne Ortiz, Ryan Baker, Peggy Hasenauer, Roberto Garza, Rachel Lieberman and Julia Socke

The silent auction brought in $25,000 and included a Firefighter helmet of a unit from September 11th and Brett Michaels concert tickets with VIP access.  Guests also raised another $26,000 in special funds for the ADA’s camp program, which will help send 30 kids to camp this summer!

The University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center is proud to be a part of events like “Care to Cure,” raising critical funds in the fight against diabetes and helping to give children living with diabetes the opportunity to attend the ADA’s camps.

Peggy Hasenauer, MS, RN
Executive Director
The University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center

Please click here for more information on upcoming community events with the Kovler Diabetes Center.