Diabetes: A Deeper Look April 28, 2011

Visitors will gain insight into a disease affecting more than 230 million people worldwide in the traveling exhibition Diabetes: A Deeper Look, now at the Maryland Science Center.

Developed by the Detroit Science Center the exhibit will educate guests on risk factors, prevention, management, and treatment of diabetes. Dozens of hands-on stations will illustrate the challenges of managing the disease and the virtues of a healthy lifestyle. Visitors will venture through a giant blood vessel with more than 40,000 LED lights pulsating to the sound of a heartbeat, meet the Rappin’ Refrigerator promoting sensible food choices, and see just how much sugar is in their favorite soft drinks. A full-size, interactive model of the human body enables visitors to learn how different parts of the body are altered when they do not effectively use or produce enough insulin. Guests can also gauge if their weight is in a healthy range.

The American Diabetes Association will enhance the traveling exhibition with new displays that answer the most frequently-asked questions about disease prevention. Throughout June, July, and August, the Maryland Science Center will host a series of public events exploring healthy lifestyles and the issues surrounding diabetes research. Many of these family activities, cooking demonstrations, and public policy presentations are sponsored by AEGON and presented in cooperation with the American Diabetes Association.

Diabetes is a chronic, widespread condition in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, the hormone needed to transport glucose (sugar) from the blood into the cells of the body for energy. More than 230 million people worldwide are living with the disease; this number is expected to rise to a staggering 350 million within 20 years. It is estimated that nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes, including an estimated seven million who remain undiagnosed.

Diabetes: A Deeper Look is free with paid admission to the Maryland Science Center.

The Maryland Science Center is located at 601 Light Street at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. For information and tickets, visit www.marylandsciencecenter.org or call the 24-Hour Information Line at 410-685-5225.

Official Website: http://www.mdsci.org/