The linkages between obesity in America and the growing spread of diabetes along with the potential tools available to change the course of these diseases will be the topic as SUNY College at Old Westbury welcomes to campus Dr. Francine Ratner Kaufman, noted author and former president of the American Diabetes Association.

Sponsored by Old Westbury's Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program, Dr. Kaufman's free lecture, "Diabesity - a Discussion on the Obesity-Diabetes Epidemic," will take place this Thursday, May 3 at 12 p.m. in the Natural Sciences Building. Her presentation will be followed by a book signing of her national bestseller, "Diabesity: The Obesity-Diabetes Epidemic That Threatens America and What We Must Do to Stop It."

"Diabetes and obesity have grown at such an alarming rate that our children's futures are at stake," said College President Calvin O. Butts, III. "There are opportunities for change at every level -- from families to school systems to government. We at Old Westbury look forward to hearing Dr. Kaufman's ideas for fighting the complex, worldwide forces behind this epidemic."

Dr. Kaufman has since 2009 served as vice president of global affairs for Medtronic Diabetes after spending 30 years at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, where she was head of the Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and 11 years as a professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine. At Children's Hospital, where she continues a clinical practice, Dr. Kaufman also directed the Comprehensive Childhood Diabetes Center.

Dr. Kaufman was the national president of the American Diabetes Association in 2002-03 and was named a recipient of the 2003 Woman of Valor award from the American Diabetes Association for her lifetime achievement in pediatric endocrinology and research.