Knowing how your medications interact and the potential side effects is of special importance to those with diabetes, since some medications typically increase or decrease blood sugar. The topic at the next Mason General Hospital Diabetes Support Group meeting is “Impact of Medications on Blood Sugar”, and is set for Thursday, May 17, 2012 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Ellinor Room at the Hospital. The guest speaker is MGH & FC’s new staff Pharmacist Craig Tavis, RPh, whose extensive knowledge includes a family history in pharmacology and tenure at Providence St. Peter Hospital, Olympia, among other pharmacies that span his 22-year career. Craig will discuss medications that affect blood sugar, awareness of how certain medications interact, and concerns about side effects. He will also set aside time for questions and answers. The Shelton Diabetes Support Group, affiliated with the American Diabetes Association, meets at the Hospital every third Thursday of the month from September to June. It is free and open to people with type 1 and 2 diabetes, their friends, and family. For more information call Sue Barwick, R.N., C.D.E. at (360) 427-7332 (from Allyn (360) 275-8614, and ask for the Diabetes Wellness Center).