Panelists to discuss Addressing Obesity and Diabetes: Strategies for Healthier Lives and Lower Costs
The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) is proud to host its inaugural State of Diabetes: Washington, DC on Saturday, November 15, during American Diabetes Month®, at Kingdom Fellowship AME Church in Calverton, Maryland.
“There have been remarkable strides in diabetes care over the years, leading to better outcomes for individuals living right here in the DMV. We are excited to welcome attendees to this year’s event to raise awareness, share strategies that empower individuals to make sustainable lifestyle changes, and continue advancing efforts to reduce the impact of diabetes and obesity throughout the region,” said Darryl Heggans, the ADA’s executive director in the DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia (DMV) region.
“Innovative and collaborative initiatives like this are critical to providing our surrounding community and congregation with access to vital health resources. Knowing your numbers and taking proactive steps toward better health can be life changing. Kingdom Fellowship AME Church is honored to be the site for this annual event,” said Reverend Dr. Matthew L. Watley, senior pastor of Kingdom Fellowship AME Church.
In the DMV region, there are over 1.4 million adults living with diagnosed diabetes. Additionally, 5.2 million adults in the DMV 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.
In partnership with Kaiser Permanente, Kingdom Fellowship, and Radio One, attendees can also enjoy:
- Free health screenings and dental exams
- Information on treatments and lifestyle changes
- Key insights from our state-based survey to address community health needs
- Giveaways and games
- A networking session and breakout activity
- Complimentary healthy snacks and lunch
- A practical toolkit with tailored solutions for employers and community members
This year’s event is powered by Kaiser Permanente.
Kaiser Permanente stated, “We are deeply committed to transforming diabetes care and prevention across the Mid-Atlantic region and honored to sponsor this event. Through its award-winning Diabetes Prevention Program, Kaiser Permanente empowers patients to take control of their health with personalized, evidence-based support. From remote glucose and foot monitoring to lifestyle coaching and seamless coordination among primary care physicians, pharmacists, and specialists, Kaiser Permanente’s integrated care model delivers measurable results, helping nearly 69% of members keep their blood sugar under control and reducing diabetes-related hospitalizations and mortality rates well below national averages.”
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 /SODWashingtonDC. 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 diabetes—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).
