Local Press Release

The American Diabetes Association Announces State of Diabetes in Baltimore

October 15, 2024 | Baltimore, MD
American Diabetes Association logo reversed out white on red background

 Panelists to Discuss Innovative Strategies for Managing Obesity and Diabetes: Understanding the Societal Costs and Social Determinants 

The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) is proud to once again host its annual State of Diabetes: Baltimore on November 12, during American Diabetes Month®, at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. 

“We are excited to host this convening of thought leaders from throughout the Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia region in a collaborative effort to solve the challenges our communities are facing related to obesity and diabetes,” said Darryl Heggans, the ADA’s executive director, District of Columbia area. 
 
In Maryland, approximately 537,000 adults, or 11.1% of the adult population, have diagnosed diabetes. Each year, an estimated 28,500 adults in Maryland are diagnosed. The annual State of Diabetes event serves as a pivotal gathering, uniting employers, industry leaders, health care providers, and community experts. On a shared platform, professionals engage with an expert panel in critical discussions on how to leverage ADA resources to address the contemporary landscape of diabetes and the financial impact on employers and employees. Discussions are followed by a networking session. 


With National Sponsors, Lilly and Genentech, and Local Sponsor, CareFirst, the ADA is pleased to bring State of Diabetes to Maryland.  

“This partnership with the American Diabetes Association further underscores and reaffirms CareFirst’s commitment to meaningfully addressing diabetes in Baltimore and the National Capital Region,” said Kimberly Harris, director of community health and social impact at CareFirst and executive chair of the State of Diabetes event. “Utilizing our collective resources will support shared efforts to raise awareness of the financial implications and social determinants associated with diabetes and accelerate change in diabetes care—positioning us to continue addressing this growing epidemic. Collaboration continues to drive positive impact and healthy outcomes and I am honored to chair this critical initiative.” 

Over 38 million Americans are living with diabetes, and with health care costs at an all-time high, people with diagnosed diabetes have on average 2.6 times higher medical expenditures than those without. This year’s esteemed speakers will share their expert perspectives on the panel Innovative Strategies for Managing Obesity and Diabetes: Understanding the Societal Costs and Social Determinants. 

Registration is free and open to health care and corporate benefits professionals. To learn more and register, visit /sodbaltimore. Media interested in previewing the event can schedule an interview by emailing press@

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About the American Diabetes Association 
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people thrive. For 84 years, the ADA has driven discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure diabetes. There are 136 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Through advocacy, program development, and education, we’re fighting for them all. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join the fight with us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn).