Leland Graves Memorial Diabetes Symposium: Optimizing Diabetes Care Across Kansas
2026 Leland Graves Memorial Diabetes Symposium:
Optimizing Diabetes Care Across Kansas
Sponsored by Cray Diabetes Self-Management Center
May 1, 2026 | 8 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Marriott in Overland Park, Overland Park, KS
This program strengthens participants’ knowledge and practical skills in diabetes management, with a focus on emerging technologies, evidence-based therapeutic strategies and lifestyle centered care. Learners will refine their ability to select and optimize pharmacologic and supportive interventions while gaining tools to enhance the reach, sustainability and impact of diabetes management and prevention across diverse communities.
Jump to a section
Hotel Info | Target Audience | Objectives | Agenda | Speakers
Continuing Education | Exhibitor Page | About the Conference
$75 early bird registration — ends March 15, 2026
$100 regular registration until April 24, 2026
Registration after April 24 will incur a $15 fee.
Cancellation notice:
There will be a $15 administration fee for registrations cancelled by 4:30 p.m. on April 24, 2026. After that date, no refunds will be issued.
Scholarship opportunity:
Do you live and work in rural Kansas? Are you a diabetes educator or health care provider seeking to expand your impact on diabetes care in your community? The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is offering scholarships to eligible attendees of the Leland Graves Memorial Diabetes Symposium, May 1, 2026 in Kansas City Missouri.
Hotel Information
BOOK YOUR HOTEL GROUP RATE VIEW EVENT PARKING
Target Audience
Physicians, Advanced Practice Providers, Registered Nurses, Pharmacists, Social Workers, Dietitians, Diabetes Educators
Objectives
- Demonstrate measurable gains in conceptual and applied knowledge related to diabetes management and emerging technological innovations.
- Articulate evidence informed strategies for integrating therapeutic modalities, digital tools and lifestyle based interventions into clinical practice.
- Exhibit enhanced clinical competence in the selection, application, and optimization of pharmacologic agents and ancillary resources to address complex challenges in diabetes care.
- Advance the sustainability of Diabetes Prevention Programs by addressing obstacles, broadening access and optimizing program outcomes.
Agenda
7-8 a.m.
Registration (Breakfast provided; browse exhibitor booths)
8-8:30 a.m.
Welcome and Opening
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Standards of Diabetes Care 2026
Daniel Tilden, M.D., MPH, University of Kansas Medical Center
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Cardiometabolic Health in Diabetes Management
Ethan K. Alexander, M.D., University of Kansas Medical Center
10:30-10:45 a.m.
Break (Browse exhibitor booths)
10:45-11:45 a.m.
A Personalized Approach to Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
Peter Butler, M.D., University of California-Los Angeles
11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Lunch (Lunch provided; browse exhibitor booths)
12:45-1:45 p.m.
Breakout Session #1- Topics A, B, C, D
A: Updates in Diabetes Technology
Kristin Grdinovac, M.D., University of Kansas Medical Center
B: Exercise and Diabetes Management
John Thyfault, Ph.D., University of Kansas Medical Center
C: Scaling Diabetes Prevention in Kansas: Lessons From the Field
Shane Birzer, BS, DSMES, DPP, Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Anna Gorczyca, PhD, University of Kansas Medical Center
D: Psychosocial Impact of DM Across the Span of Adulthood
Kari Struemph, Ph.D., University of Kansas Medical Center
1:45-2:45 p.m.
Breakout Session #2- Repeated Topics A, B, C, D
2:45-3 p.m.
Break (Browse exhibitor booths)
3-4 p.m.
“Just Tell Me What To Eat”: A Simple Guide to Personalized Nutrition
Phatcharee Lueyot, M.S., RD, LD, CDCES, University of Kansas Medical Center
4-4:15 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Speakers
FEATURED KEYNOTE SPEAKER: PETER BUTLER, M.D.
Professor, Endocrinology, UCLA
Dr. Peter Butler is an endocrinologist with UCLA Health at the San Luis Obispo clinic. He brings over 30 years of experience as an academic endocrine specialist. Dr. Butler began his career at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, later practiced in Edinburgh, Scotland, and has spent more than two decades with UCLA in Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo.
He earned his medical degree from the University of Birmingham in England, followed by internal medicine training in Birmingham and Edinburgh. Dr. Butler completed his endocrinology specialty training in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, and at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
A recognized leader in diabetes research, Dr. Butler has authored more than 200 publications exploring the underlying causes of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and innovative approaches to prevention and treatment. He is a former Editor-in-Chief of Diabetes, the journal of the American Diabetes Association, and has served on numerous national committees for the ADA and the National Institutes of Health.
Now based on California’s Central Coast, Dr. Butler enjoys pursuing his passion for marine biology when he is not caring for patients or advancing diabetes research.
KRISTIN K. GRDINOVAC, M.D.
Associate Professor, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Pharmacology
Director of Cray Diabetes Self-Management Center
Dr. Grdinovac is the director of the Cray Diabetes Self-Management Center and an assistant pofessor in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Her work is focused on improving diabetes care through innovative approaches and advanced technologies. Dr. Grdinovac leads efforts to enhance patient outcomes by integrating medication optimization, diabetes education and social support. In 2023, she developed the Fresh Start Program, a 24-week course designed to help patients with uncontrolled diabetes achieve better management through a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach. Her research interests center on improving diabetes management strategies and advancing the delivery of care for patients with diabetes.
DANIEL R. TILDEN, M.D., MPH
Assistant Professor, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Pharmacology Research Assistant Professor, University of Missouri - Kansas City
Dr. Tilden is an assistant professor in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Kansas Medical Center, with a focus on improving outcomes for adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes, particularly in rural areas. Drawing from his unique background as a former high school science teacher in rural North Carolina and his training in both pediatric and adult endocrinology, Dr. Tilden is dedicated to developing targeted interventions that address the specific challenges faced by patients in this demographic. His research aims to enhance diabetes care and management through personalized approaches tailored to the needs of young patients living in underserved regions.
ETHAN ALEXANDER, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Pharmacology
Dr. Ethan Alexander is an endocrinologist and clinical lipidologist at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Originally from the Kansas City area, he attended the University of Kansas School of Medicine both for medical school and internal medicine residency. Getting involved in lipoprotein research and the metabolic management of cardiovascular disease in residency, he then went on to complete a fellowship in Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes at the University of Kansas. His clinical and research focus is on cardiometabolic health and improving outcomes for patients with genetic dyslipidemia, premature cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. He is involved in multiple research efforts ranging from basic science to clinical trials in the world of lipidology and cardiometabolic health and is heavily involved in medical student, resident, and fellow teaching.
JOHN P. THYFAULT, Ph.D., FACSM, FTOS
Professor, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Pharmacology Director, KU Diabetes Institute Scientific Director of Basic Research, Children's Mercy Hospital, Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyle and Nutrition Scientist, Kansas City VA Medical Center-Research Service
Dr. John Thyfault, a professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center, has research expertise in metabolism, mitochondrial energetics, obesity, and exercise physiology. His research, conducted using translational approaches in animal models and human subjects, explores the mechanisms by which exercise, physical activity, and aerobic capacity reduce susceptibility to obesity, chronic metabolic disease states such as insulin resistance and fatty liver, and neurometabolic deficits associated with aging. Dr. Thyfault is also a research scientist at the VA Medical Center in Kansas City. He leads metabolism-based research at KU Medical Center through his roles as the co-director of the Kansas Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, the director of the KU Diabetes Institute and the co-director of the TOMADS T32 Training Program. His research has been consistently funded by the AHA, VA or NIH since 2008.
SHANE BIRZER, BS, DSMES, DPP
Public Health Educator- KDHE Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Program
Shane Bizer is a Public Health Educator for Kansas Department of Health and Education. He works for both the Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Program for KDHE. He is a DSMES State Specialist and trained DPP Lifestyle Coach. Shane also received his Bachelors of Science in Healthcare Management from McPherson College.Kansas Department of Health and Environment
ANNA M. GORCZYCA, PhD
Research Assistant Professor, Physical Activity & Weight Management
Dr. Gorczyca is a Research Assistant Professor within the Division of Physical Activity and Weight Management in the Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Gorczyca completed a summer fellowship at NICHD in the division of Reproductive Epidemiology in 2014 and received her PhD from Indiana University in Epidemiology in 2016. This was followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in weight management and physical activity interventions at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
KARI STRUEMPH, Ph.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Associate Division Director, The University of Kansas Health System Pediatrics
Kari Struemph is the associate division director of the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Sciences within the Department of Pediatrics at The University of Kansas Health System. She also holds a clinical assistant professor appointment at the University of Kansas. Dr. Struemph received her Ph.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University where her research and clinical work involved providing services and evaluating coping and adjustment in children and adolescents diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and their families.
Her current research and clinical interests continue to focus on adjustment and coping for children, adolescents and young adults with chronic illness. She currently provides inpatient consultation/liaison services to children and adolescents admitted to the hospital and provides outpatient clinical care to children with chronic illness, ADHD, anxiety and depression. She is working to expand services provided to AYA at The University of Kansas Health System to support patients who are diagnosed during this pivotal time in their lives or are transitioning to the helath system after receiving care in the pediatric setting.
PHATCHAREE (PATTIE) LUEYOT, MS, RD, LD, CDCES
Cray Diabetes Self-Management Center Program Coordinator, the University of Kansas Medical Center
Pattie is a registered dietitian, a certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES), and coordinator of the Cray Diabetes Self-Management Center Program. Pattie has extensive experience in diabetes and nutrition education, as well as training others on healthy cooking and meal planning. Pattie has a master of science focused on nutrition sciences with management skills in diabetes education programs and diabetes technology.
Continuing Education
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by University of Kansas Medical Center and Cray Diabetes Self Management Center.
University of Kansas Medical Center is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physician: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit
The University of Kansas Medical Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nursing: ANCC Contact Hours
The University of Kansas Medical Center designates this activity for a maximum of 6 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Pharmacy: ACPE
The University of Kansas Medical Center designates this educational activity for a maximum of 6 ACPE knowledge-based contact hours. Participants should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. ACPE UAN Number: UAN JA0000311-0000-25-067-L01-P
Dietary: RD/LD
The University of Kansas Medical Center Area Health Education Center as an approved Long Term Sponsor of continuing education activities for Dietitians by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), presents this offering for 6 clock hour(s) for relicensure. Kansas Sponsorship Number LTS-D1381.
Social Work
The University of Kansas Medical Center Area Health Education Center East, as an approved provider of continuing education by the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board presents this offering for a maximum of 4 hour(s) credit applicable for relicensure of LASWs, LBSWs, LMSWs and LSCSWs. Kansas Provider Number 12-002. Karen Aufdemberge, RN, BSN, Coordinator.
IPCE
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 6 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.
In Memory of Leland Graves III, M.D.
This symposium is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Leland Graves III, a visionary leader, brilliant physician, and dedicated mentor whose profound impact on The University of Kansas Health System and the field of endocrinology will never be forgotten.
Dr. Graves served as Professor of Medicine, Division Director of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Pharmacology, and Chief of Staff at The University of Kansas Health System. He was a guiding force in shaping the endocrine division, elevating patient care, and mentoring countless physicians. His leadership was defined by humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
A gifted clinician and educator, Dr. Graves taught by example, instilling in others the values of curiosity, integrity, and leadership. His dedication to patients, pride in this institution, and relentless pursuit of medical excellence inspired all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
As this symposium advances the future of diabetes care, we honor Dr. Graves’ legacy by continuing his mission—to lead with compassion, to teach with purpose, and to serve with unwavering dedication. His influence will remain a guiding light in our work, our institution, and our community for years to come.