Frank DeLima: Will make an appearance at a diabetes conference Feb. 11.

DeLima serious about diabetes

Diabetes is a serious matter, but Frank DeLima can still get a laugh out of it. "I got it because I got fat. I was old and fat," he says of his own diagnoses for Type 2 diabetes a few years ago.

"I sound like a real Portagee old lady, yeah?"

DeLima will be the guest speaker at the Taking Control of Your Diabetes Conference and Health Fair Feb. 11 at the Hawai'i Convention Center.

The conference will cover topics from research, to diet and exercise, to medical treatments for managing diabetes.

DeLima says the disease struck when he hit 50 years of age and 320 pounds. He's dealing with it through medication and diet -- 1,500 calories a day. "Hard, you know." He's down to 230.

And he exercises on weights, treadmill and, "I play one-on-one basketball, but I cannot run too much or I get heart attack."

Conference sessions will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with registration opening at 7:30 a.m. Cost is $45, which includes lunch and snacks. Financial aid is available.

A half-day conference will be held Feb. 12 on Molokai, at the Home Pumehana Senior Center in Kaunakakai.

Call toll-free 800-998-2693. To pre-register online or for a schedule of events, visit www.TCOYD.org.