Best selling author and health expert Joe Piscatella will be the keynote speaker at a free diabetes symposium, “Win the Diabetes Challenge,” on Saturday, Nov. 1, 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Stadium High School Theatre in Tacoma. The address is 111 North E Street.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and Mr. Piscatella will be joined by local medical experts who will provide information about medications, treatment options and the prevention of heart disease.

Other speakers include K. David McCowen, MD, who is chief of diabetes services for the Franciscan Health System in Tacoma; Ronald Graf, MD, chief of diabetes services for MultiCare Health System in Tacoma; and registered dietitian Becky Clow will host a patient panel discussion.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, the hormone that converts sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles, according to the American Diabetes Association.

This event is jointly sponsored by Franciscan Health System and MultiCare Health System. Call 1-800-342-9919 by Oct. 30 to reserve a seat. Admission is free.