Panelists to discuss Addressing Obesity and Diabetes: Strategies for Healthier Lives and Lower Costs
The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) will host its annual State of Diabetes: Central Virginia on World Diabetes Day, November 14, at Reynolds Community College on Parham Road Campus.
"In Virginia, one in every ten residents is living with diabetes, a condition that not only impacts individuals, but also places a strain on families, health care systems, and employers. With the prevalence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes on the rise, we must come together as a community to raise awareness, promote healthier lifestyles, and provide the necessary resources for prevention and management. Our goal is to ensure that all residents have access to the tools they need to live healthier, more fulfilling lives,” said Deanie Eldridge, ADA’s executive director of the Mid-Atlantic market.
Approximately 816,700 adults in Virginia, or 10.3% of the adult population, have diagnosed diabetes. Additionally, approximately 3 million 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 its 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 and breakout activity
- Receive a practical toolkit with tailored solutions for employers and community members
Dr. Thomas Lundquist, CEO of national company HealthNEXT, an innovative leader in employer wellness, will serve as one of the panelists and breakout discussion leaders.
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 /SODCentralVA. 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).
