POTSDAM -- Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s Diabetes Support Group will meet at 50 Leroy St., Thursday, June 4, from 11 am until noon in the 2nd floor Conference Room B.

The featured speaker will be Katherine Calcagno, RN, BSN, MPH, CDE. Ms. Calcagno is the Diabetes Educator and Wound Care specialist at Canton-Potsdam Hospital. Her topic will be “Foot Care and Diabetes.” Ms. Calcagno says that “diabetes can damage the nerves in our feet and cause neuropathy (a loss of sensation), leading to foot injury. This coupled with changes in blood flow, predispose diabetics to foot issues. Effective diabetes management, including daily foot inspection and checkups with health care providers, can help prevent further complications such as ulcerations and amputations.”

Diabetes is a metabolic disease affecting 26 million children and adults in the U.S. Without proper management, diabetes can lead to kidney disease, blindness, heart disease and amputation of lower limbs. It has been estimated that 27% of seniors over the age of 65 have diabetes and those at greater risk include individuals with family history, those who are overweight, or those of African ethnicity.

A light lunch will be served. Admission is free but reservations are required. Call Katherine Calcagno at 261-5393 to make reservations.