Panelists to discuss Addressing Obesity and Diabetes: Strategies for Healthier Lives and Lower Costs
The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) is proud to once again host its annual State of Diabetes: Raleigh-Durham during American Diabetes Month® on November 3 at North Carolina Central University’s Student Center.
“There have been remarkable strides in diabetes care over the years, leading to better outcomes for individuals living right here in North Carolina. We are excited to welcome attendees to this year’s event to share insights, learn from one another, and continue advancing efforts to reduce the impact of diabetes throughout the region,” said Brooke Mize, the ADA’s executive director in North Carolina.
In North Carolina, approximately 1,060,700 adults, or 10.8% of the adult population, have been diagnosed with diabetes. Additionally, approximately 610,000 adults in the state, or 34% of the adult population, have obesity.
For 85 years, the ADA has driven diabetes discovery and research. The annual State of Diabetes event serves as a pivotal gathering, uniting employers, industry leaders, health care professionals, and community members in support of the ADA’s mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Increasingly, this includes those living with obesity, as the Obesity Association™, a division of the ADA, expands outreach and education to this population.
On a shared platform, participants will engage with an expert panel in critical discussions on addressing the contemporary landscape of diabetes and obesity, as well as their financial impact on individuals and employers.
Attendees will also:
- Gain key insights from our state-based survey to address community health needs
- Enjoy a networking session, panel, and two breakout sessions around the National Diabetes Prevention Program and diabetes technology
- Receive a practical toolkit with tailored solutions for employers and community members
This year’s top sponsor is Aetna with additional support from Lilly, Genentech, United Health Care, Abbott, Labcorp, Aeroflow Diabetes, and Sanofi.
“Aetna is committed to supporting our members and enabling them to access care that helps them live their healthiest lives,” said Dr. Michelle Bucknor, regional chief medical officer, Aetna Better Health. “We are proud to sponsor the American Diabetes Association’s 2025 State of Diabetes: Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte events to support education and information sharing that will help advance care for people with diabetes living in North Carolina.”
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 panelists will share their expert perspectives on the discussion topic—Addressing Obesity and Diabetes: Strategies for Healthier Lives and Lower Costs. Attendees will learn about new treatments, lifestyle changes, and ways to make diabetes and obesity care more accessible, helping individuals, families, and employers support healthier lives and reduce overall medical costs.
Registration is free. To learn more and register, visit /SODRaleighDurham. Media interested in previewing or attending 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. This year, the ADA celebrates 85 years of driving discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure—and we’re not stopping. 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 us in the fight on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). To learn more about how we are advocating for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X (@AmDiabetesAssn).
