In early November, as many as 250 people gathered in Norfolk to mark the 25th anniversary of the diabetes program at Norfolk General Hospital. “You have arrived and survived, and most importantly, you have thrived in spite of it all,” Cindy Gekiere, diabetes program co-ordinator across Haldimand and Norfolk counties, told attendees during the celebration. Gekiere added she is humbled by the courage and strength of those living with diabetes, and their commitment to lifestyle changes to help control blood sugar. Many people living with diabetes today monitor their blood-sugar levels with a wrist watch-like device. Not long ago, patients monitored their blood sugar with a blood test, notes Gekiere. There are four registered nurses, three registered dieticians, and two clerks who care for 5,500 clients on the program’s database. In addition to care, the program offers its Sugar Scoop newsletter, which provides subscribers with up-to-date information about diabetes management. (Simcoe Reformer, Nov. 20)