This week, diabetes educator Marci Sloane gives us “The Scoop on Stevia” in the latest edition of the American Diabetes Wholesale Newsletter. There’s a lot of buzz in the US about this sugar-free sweetener as some major companies such as Coca-Cola, Cargill and PepsiCo are releasing products containing stevia such as Truvia and PureVia. Find out more about where stevia comes from, a brief overview of the historical worldwide use and with the FDA as well as its relation to the diabetic diet.

If you are interested in trying stevia or are already enjoying it, American Diabetes Wholesale carries products like Stevita Simply Stevia packets for sweetening your morning coffee or Stevita Spoonable Stevia – 16oz Jar for cooking or other uses. In addition to stevia, ADW also carries other sugar-free sweetener products such as the EZ-Sweetz Liquid Sucralose Sweetener or DiabetiSweet Brown Sugar Substitute.

As we quickly approach our November 7th deadline for the second-annual Diabetes Educator of the Year Contest, we want to encourage you to tell us about an inspirational healthcare professional you know who is dedicated to fighting diabetes, and has made a difference in your life, or in the life of a loved one.

At ADW, we have set out to pay tribute to these educators, which include certified diabetes educators, nurses, and physicians, who consistently show compassion and an unfaltering commitment to their work, patients, and diabetes community. If you have someone that you think deserves to be the 2008 Diabetes Educator of the Year, we’d love to hear from you!

The nomination process is easy – just visit www.AmericanDiabetesWholesale.com/Contest and fill out the required information. Our winner will be flown in for a two-night, three-day stay at one of South Florida’s most beautiful resorts, the Boca Raton Resort & Club. He or she will also be honored in a special ceremony coordinated by all of us here at ADW, together with our local diabetes advocate partners.

Last year’s winner, Barbara J. Odom, RN, PHN, M.ED is an extraordinary example of the loyalty and devotion that we at American Diabetes Wholesale so admire. She is U.S. Navy Veteran, a registered nurse of 36 years and has been a certified diabetes educator since 1985. Since retiring from the Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System in June 2001, she has worked independently and volunteered her time in the San Diego Community and throughout the country. She is motivated by her love of nursing, teaching and helping others. She facilitates a monthly support group in Southeast San Diego, does workshop presentations on diabetes and other health concerns at churches, community groups and health fairs.

Help us continue to recognize those who are making a difference – go to www.AmericanDiabetesWholesale.com/Contest before November 7th and tell us about that special person who you think should be the 2008 Diabetes Educator of the Year!

Thank you again for all your support; we couldn’t continue to do this without you. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have, and we look forward to hearing about the exceptional diabetes educator in your life!

All the best,
Your American Diabetes Wholesale Team