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# Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.msdiabetes.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Pages

- [Support Our Mission](https://www.msdiabetes.org/) - Living life without limits is what the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi (DFM) believes is possible for all those who have diabetes. Every dollar raised by the DFM stays in Mississippi to go toward education, patient assistance, Camp Kandu (the state’s only diabetes camp for children with diabetes and their families), and other programs that promote
- [Walks for Diabetes](https://www.msdiabetes.org/walks-for-diabetes/) - Walk Theme is "Walk for Someone You Love!: Because no one should face Diabetes Alone" Every dollar raised stays in Mississippi to support our programs and services! The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippians aims to support Mississippians with diabetes through advocacy, education, resources, and partnerships with various businesses statewide. Your fundraising will help
- [Bacchus Ball](https://www.msdiabetes.org/bacchus-ball/) - Where: Country Club of Jackson Time: 7:00-10:00 pm General Entry for Bacchus Ball Date: Saturday, January 30, 2027 Had it with inflation at the checkout stand, government shutdowns and so much artificial intelligence that nothing seems real anymore? Then get ready for a genuine honest-to-goodness good time at the Bacchus Ball, the Diabetes Foundation of
- [Patient Assistance](https://www.msdiabetes.org/patient-assistance/) - Cost-saving Options Speak up at the doctor’s office: Doctors don't typically know your financial situation. They prescribe the drug that they think will help the patient manage blood glucose the best. Being humans - also susceptible to marketing - that drug may be the one the drug rep just left samples of, or maybe a
- [Targeting Diabetes Clay Shoot - March 19, 2027](https://www.msdiabetes.org/targeting-diabetes-clay-shoot/) - The Targeting Diabetes Clay Shoot brings together individuals and their friends and colleagues who enjoy the outdoors and the sport of clay shooting at the prestigious Providence Hill Sporting Club. Partnering with Providence Hill has given the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi the unique opportunity to host an event that while fun and entertaining also
- [Camp Kandu](https://www.msdiabetes.org/events-camp-kandu/) - Fall Camp Kandu November 14, 2026 Twin Lakes Conference Center 9:00 AM to 4:00ish pm Sadly, World Renowned Diabetes Educator Joe Solowiejczyk was unable to come to Spring camp, but we hope to see him in the fall. There will be other great Diabetes educators with decades of experience to teach you
- [Camp Kandu](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ourwork-camp-kandu/) - Spring Camp Kandu May 2, 2026 Twin Lakes Conference Center 9:00 AM to 4:00ish pm Sadly, World Renowned Diabetes Educator Joe Solowiejczyk is unable to come to Spring camp, but we hope to see him in the fall. There will be other great Diabetes educators with decades of experience to teach
- [Ultimate Fashion Show](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ultimate-fashion-show/) - The Ultimate Fashion Show features a delicious champagne brunch, opportunities to win an exciting array of ‘Ultimate Giveaway’ items, and, of course, the premiere of the spring fashion line. Models will walk the runway with colorful spring and summer designs for men, women, and children. Help us celebrate our 2026 Woman of Excellence! Dr. Kimberly
- [Car for a Cure](https://www.msdiabetes.org/car-for-a-cure/) - Each year, the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi teams up with Patty Peck Honda of Ridgeland to “put the brakes on diabetes” with the Car for a Cure Giveaway! For three decades, Patty Peck Honda has generously donated a Honda to the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. Proceeds from the “Car for a Cure” ticket sales benefit
- [Leadership](https://www.msdiabetes.org/leadership/) - Board of Directors Officers Chairman of the Board: David Joseph President: Warren Jones, MD, FAAFP Vice Chairman: Larry Ratzlaff Vice President: Naznin Dixit, MD Treasurer: David Williams, CPA Secretary: Irena McClain, MPH Member-at-Large: Stan Dickens, FSA, MAAA Member-at-Large: Marcie Robertson Past President: Ben W. Seale, Jr., MD Past President: Rick Carlton Past Chairman: Roy Ward Executive Director: Irena McClain, MPH Board
- [Donate](https://www.msdiabetes.org/donate/) - We offer a variety of ways that you can help DFM's mission. Click any link below for more information. Donate online to the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi Click here for DFM's Amazon Wishlist to help our programs Donating Medications/Diabetes Supplies If a loved one passes away, your prescription changes, or you get a new pump,
- [Volunteer](https://www.msdiabetes.org/volunteer/) - Would you like to give back? Need community service hours? Sign up as a volunteer for the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi For Office type work, (mailings, making packets, etc.) the DFM is open 8:30-4:30 M-F. The Walks are generally Sunday afternoons or Saturday morning. Other Conferences and Events may be scheduled on weekdays or
- [Ways to Sponsor](https://www.msdiabetes.org/support-our-mission/ways-to-sponsor/) - Host a "Sugar Smart Saturday" at your school/Community Center Sponsor an Event or Walk Have a Vendor Table at our Patient Superconference, Continuing Medical Education Conference or Walk Provide in-kind donations of your product or services - from happies for the participants or auction items to portable grills, tents and portapotties. Thank You!
- [Honor and Memory Wall](https://www.msdiabetes.org/honor-and-memory-wall/) - To add your loved one, Click Here! Honoring those with Diabetes Mary Fortune - All of us at DFM!! In Remembrance of those we have lost to Diabetes Mr. James F. Baker - remembered by Bethany Theilman Dr. Zane Hodge - remembered by All of us at DFM! Mr. Darrell Troth - remembered by
- [Continuing Medical Education Conference](https://www.msdiabetes.org/continuing-medical-education-conference/) - Our CME symposium is designed to provide Mississippi’s healthcare professionals with a greater understanding of quality care, diabetes prevention strategies, current topics in diabetes management and the latest recommendations for medical nutrition therapy. Our target audience includes endocrinologists, nurses, nurse practitioners, primary care physicians, pharmacists, pediatricians, certified diabetes educators and dietitians. If you were
- [Super Conference Patient Meeting](https://www.msdiabetes.org/medical-professional-patient-education/super-conference-patient-meeting/) - DFM's 42nd Annual Patient Education Super Conference February 28, 2026 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM Jackson Hilton (I55/County Line Road) To buy tickets Click Here. Early Bird rates End February 14! For over 40 years, with a brief COVID hiatus, DFM has offered an annual patient-education meeting for patients and their families. Past Super Conferences have featured
- [Sponsors](https://www.msdiabetes.org/sponsors/) - Platinum Circle of Honor: Gold Circle of Honor: Special Friends of the Foundation: - Northtown Friends of the Foundation:
- [Other Events](https://www.msdiabetes.org/other-events/) - Corvette Classic For many years, the Corvette Club of Mississippi has supported the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi with their annual Corvette Classic Show.
- [We Care 2](https://www.msdiabetes.org/we-care-2/) - “We Care 2” is a signature program of the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi that sends a DFM representative to visit a newly diagnosed child and his/her family while in the hospital.* The program’s goal is to connect families with an ongoing support system and resource network for managing the health of their child. Trained staff
- [Medical Professional & Patient Education](https://www.msdiabetes.org/medical-professional-patient-education/) - Continuing Medical Education Conference (CME) We believe that one of the most important keys to assisting patients with diabetes is a well-educated and trained health professional. As the number of Mississippians developing diabetes steadily increases, the need for healthcare professionals equipped with the most up-to-date tools to help these Mississippians has also grown. That is
- [Media](https://www.msdiabetes.org/media/) - Hattiesburg Walk Coverage October 27, 2024 More photos in our Facebook Album Meridian Walk WTOK Coverage October 13, 2024 More photos in our Facebook Album Jackson Walk WJTV Coverage October 6, 2024 https://www.instagram.com/msdiabetes/reel/C8Um6ZosmAx/ More photos in our facebook album WLBT News Anchor Interview with Parents
- [Contact](https://www.msdiabetes.org/contact/) - If you have any questions or comments please reach out to us using the information or contact form below: If you need to update your contact information, please give us a call or email! (601) 957-7878 hello@msdiabetes.org Mail to: 715 S Pear Orchard RD, Suite 210, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Or Message us via Facebook Notice:
- [Back to the Basics](https://www.msdiabetes.org/back-to-the-basics/) - Click any graphic below to download more information.
- [Helpful Purchases for those with Diabetes](https://www.msdiabetes.org/helpful-purchases-for-those-with-diabetes/) - Please click here for a curated list of suggested purchases from Amazon.
- [Mental Health and Diabetes](https://www.msdiabetes.org/mental-health-and-diabetes/) - Diabetes Burnout Diabetes requires 24/7 care to stay in good blood glucose control. There is no vacation from diabetes – the need for care doesn’t stop at school, work, play – anytime! All of the energy required to stay on top of a chronic illness like diabetes can result in burnout, where people grow tired
- [Fitness & Nutrition](https://www.msdiabetes.org/fitness-nutrition/) - Fitness Fitness plays an important role when it comes to your diabetes management. Physical activity improves your blood glucose levels and improves your body’s response to insulin. When you exercise, your body uses sugar to burn energy, thus lowering your blood glucose. Exercise also has mental, physical, and emotional benefits! Some benefits of exercising include:
- [Financials](https://www.msdiabetes.org/financials/) - Your Donations are Tax Deductible The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi files Tax Form 990 annually using the tax number 23-7262987 and was recognized as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code in 1992. Donors may deduct contributions to the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi as provided in section 170 of the Code. Bequests,
- [What is Diabetes?](https://www.msdiabetes.org/what-is-diabetes/) - Diabetes is a disease resulting from an inability to use and/or produce insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas. Insulin helps get glucose, a form of sugar from foods we eat, into our body cells to burn for energy. After eating, blood glucose levels rise and insulin is produced to help get glucose into cells.
- [Sweet Subject Education](https://www.msdiabetes.org/sweet-subject-education/) - “Sweet Subject” is a signature program of the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi created to offer Mississippi schools and daycare facilities with the opportunity to earn Continuing Education Units (CEU) by attending a DFM school presentation. The Sweet Subject School Diabetes Education program is free for schools and daycare centers around the state, with the goal
- [The Monitor](https://www.msdiabetes.org/the-monitor/) - Spring 2024 Newsletter Summer 2024 Newsletter
- [Complications with Uncontrolled Diabetes](https://www.msdiabetes.org/complications-with-uncontrolled-diabetes/) - With diabetes comes an increased risk for developing some serious complications such as heart disease and kidney disease. The good news is that keeping blood glucose levels under control can reduce or delay your chances of developing serious health problems from the disease. Several studies such as the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) and
- [Awards & Recognitions](https://www.msdiabetes.org/awards-recognitions/) - Past Winners of our "Women of Excellence" Awards 2024 - Puja Craddock, MD and Mary Fortune (receiving the first Mary Diane Fortune Award) 2023 - Mary Ann Kirby and Teresa Renkenberger 2022 - La'Verne Edney, JD and Anna Asher, MD 2019 - Robin Robinson and Candie Simmons 2018 - Nancy Carpenter and Susan Murphy 2017
- [Past Events](https://www.msdiabetes.org/past-events/) - Please click on an image below to view photo galleries of past events.
- [Bacchus Ball](https://www.msdiabetes.org/past-events/bacchus-ball/)
- [Walks for Diabetes](https://www.msdiabetes.org/past-events/walks-for-diabetes/)
- [Search](https://www.msdiabetes.org/search/)
- [What We Do](https://www.msdiabetes.org/what-we-do/) - Our Mission Our mission is simple – we save lives every day! The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi (DFM) is the state’s premier nonprofit health organization working to prevent diabetes and associated complications, as well as work to improve the lives of every child, every adult, and every family touched by type 1 or type 2
- [Know Your Rights](https://www.msdiabetes.org/know-your-rights/)
- [Diabetes On Call](https://www.msdiabetes.org/diabetes-on-call/) - Diabetes on Call (D.O.C.) is a free-to-the-public, statewide educational referral program providing one-on-one counseling along with FREE educational material. Education is vital to understanding diabetes and self-management of the disease. To take advantage of this educational program, please call the DFM at 601-957-7878.
- [Who We Are (History)](https://www.msdiabetes.org/who-we-are-history/) - The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi (DFM) was chartered in Mississippi in 1965 as the Diabetes Association of Mississippi by a group of local Mississippi physicians. Their goal was to disseminate information about diabetes and disease management to health professionals throughout the Magnolia State. In the 1970s, the Diabetes Association of Mississippi joined with a national
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.msdiabetes.org/privacy-policy/) - is committed to protecting the rights of all visitors to . We are committed to keeping your personal information secure and have created this privacy statement to share our information gathering and dissemination practices for this website. Information Collection and Use We will protect your information, and will not release your name, email address or

## FAQs

- [Diabetes Alert Dogs](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq/diabetes-alert-dogs/) - Diabetic Alert Dogs can go to School! With the support of the Diabetes Foundation, House Bill 1405 passed in the legislature regarding Diabetic Alert Dogs in the school system, signed by Governor Bryant. “Diabetic service dogs are just another fail safe in case technology doesn’t do its job. Then you have nature to back it
- [Taking Diabetes to School: Section 504 and ADA Compliance](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq/taking-diabetes-to-school-section-504-and-ada-compliance/) - The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi works with families of children with diabetes, schools and daycare programs around Mississippi to ensure that everyone understands basic diabetes management and emergency treatment of low or high blood glucose. Our “Sweet Subject School Diabetes Education Program” has trained hundreds of school and daycare staff about managing diabetes when the
- [Cardiovascular Complications](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq/cardiovascular-complications/) - Uncontrolled high blood sugar increases your risk for developing heart and blood vessel disease. This can lead to heart attacks and strokes, which is the leading cause of death for people with diabetes. Microvascular (small blood vessel) complications from diabetes include damage to eyes (retinopathy), kidneys (nephropathy), and nerves (neuropathy). These complications, if not cared
- [Kidney Disease](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq/kidney-disease/) - High blood glucose and high blood pressure damage the kidneys’ filter. When the kidneys are damaged, proteins leak out of the kidneys into the urine, and excess waste and fluid can build up in your blood because it is not being excreted through the urine. This can lead to kidney failure and a lifetime of
- [Diabetic Retinopathy](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq/diabetic-retinopathy/) - Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in individuals 20-74. Having high blood glucose and high blood pressure over a long period of time can damage these tiny blood vessels and cause cataracts and glaucoma. More Information
- [Driving with Diabetes](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq/driving-with-diabetes/) - The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi is here to help make the transition from diagnosis of diabetes to part of daily life as smooth as possible. We are here to help educate schools, daycares, and work places to become more aware of the needs of those with diabetes. Through our advocacy, we have been able to
- [Diabetes on Call](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq/diabetes-on-call/) - Diabetes on Call (D.O.C.) is a free-to-the-public, statewide educational referral program providing one-on-one counseling along with FREE educational material. Education is vital to understanding diabetes and self-management of the disease. Learn More
- [Medical Professional & Patient Education](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq/medical-professional-patient-education/) - As the number of Mississippians developing diabetes steadily increases, the need for healthcare professionals equipped with the most up-to-date tools to help these Mississippians has also grown. That is why the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi sponsors a Continuing Medical Education symposium annually for healthcare providers around the state. We believe that one of the most
- [Sweet Subject Education](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq/sweet-subject-education/) - “Sweet Subject” is a signature program of the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi created to offer Mississippi schools and daycare facilities with the opportunity to earn Continuing Education Units (CEU) by attending a DFM school presentation. Learn More
- [Camp Kandu](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq/camp-kandu/) - Camp Kandu, held twice a year at the Twin Lakes Conference Center in Florence, MS, offers children with diabetes, as well as their parents, siblings, and even their friends, the opportunity to have fun while learning to take charge of diabetes. The camp is free for children with diabetes, and parents and siblings pay only
- [Patient Assistance](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq/patient-assistance/) - Patient assistance is another vital service offered by the DFM. The “Helping Hands” program provides free emergency assistance with diabetes-related medicines and medical supplies once per year to uninsured or underinsured Mississippians. The DFM will also make referrals to pharmaceutical assistance programs and other area agencies. Patients must have current prescriptions and have their medical
- [We Care 2](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq/we-care-2/) - “We Care 2” is a signature program of the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi that sends a DFM representative to visit a newly diagnosed child and his/her family while in the hospital. The program’s goal is to connect families with an ongoing support system and resource network for managing the health of their child. Learn More
- [Podcasts](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq/podcasts/) - Content coming soon.
- [Support Groups](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq/support-groups/) - Content coming soon.
- [Latest Research](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq/latest-research/) - Content coming soon.
- [Type 2 Diabetes](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq/type-2-diabetes/) - The most common form of diabetes is type 2 diabetes. 90-95 percent of people diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is most often associated with genetics and lifestyle, and has even been nicknamed a “disease of lifestyles.” In type 2 diabetes, there is a problem with the action of insulin. The
- [Pre-diabetes](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq/pre-diabetes/) - Pre-diabetes is a term used to distinguish people who have higher than normal blood glucose levels, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Progression to diabetes among those with pre-diabetes is not inevitable. Studies suggest weight loss (even just 5%) and increased physical activity among people with pre-diabetes prevents or delays diabetes and
- [Type 1 Diabetes](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq/type-1-diabetes/) - Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which occurs primarily in children and young adults under the age of 40. However, disease onset can occur at any age. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system turns against a part of the body. In diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys the islet cells which
- [Gestational Diabetes](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq/gestational-diabetes/) - Some women develop gestational diabetes late in pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes usually disappears after the birth of the baby, women who have had gestational diabetes have a 20 to 50 percent chance of developing type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years. Maintaining a reasonable body weight and being physically active may help

## FAQ Categories

- [Types of Diabetes](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq-category/diabetes-types/)
- [Know Your Rights](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq-category/resources-know-your-rights/)
- [Our Work](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq-category/ourwork/)
- [Diabetes in the News](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq-category/diabetes-in-the-news/)
- [Complications with Uncontrolled Diabetes](https://www.msdiabetes.org/ufaq-category/complications-with-uncontrolled-diabetes/)