Stoops to speak at breakfast focusing on diabetes program

The American Diabetes Association will host a breakfast July 31 at the Oklahoma History Center to increase awareness about diabetes in the workplace.

"Winning at Work: Creating a Healthier Workplace” is intended to educate company presidents, officers and human resources directors about the association's Winning at Work program as well as the prevention, detection and maintenance of diabetes among employees.

Speakers will include University of Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops and American Diabetes Association CEO Laurence Hausner.

According to the association, diabetes cost Oklahomans nearly $2 billion in 2006, including $595 million in lost productivity.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 10.2 percent of Oklahomans have been diagnosed with diabetes.

"Sick employees affect the bottom line,” said Diane Serantakos, executive director of the American Diabetes Association in western Oklahoma.