State of Diabetes: Charlotte Highlights Need for Improved Care and Addressing Obesity

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) hosts its annual State of Diabetes: Charlotte event to share insights, learn from one another, and advance efforts to reduce the impact of diabetes in the region. According to the ADA, approximately 1,060,700 adults in North Carolina have been diagnosed with diabetes, representing 10.8% of the adult population. The event brings together employers, industry leaders, healthcare professionals, and community members to discuss addressing the contemporary landscape of diabetes and obesity, and their financial impact on individuals and employers.

Key Takeaways:

• Approximately 1,060,700 adults in North Carolina have been diagnosed with diabetes, or 10.8% of the adult population.
• 610,000 adults in the state, or 34% of the adult population, have obesity.
• The ADA's 85-year history has driven diabetes discovery and research.
• Increasingly, the ADA's Obesity Association division is expanding outreach and education to the obesity population.
• Participants will engage with an expert panel to discuss addressing diabetes and obesity, and the financial impact on individuals and employers.
• Attendees will gain insights from a state-based survey, enjoy a networking session, and receive a toolkit with tailored solutions for employers and community members.
• Top sponsors for the event are Novant Health, Aetna, and additional support from several organizations.

Statistics:

• Approximately 38 million Americans live with diabetes.
• People with diagnosed diabetes have, on average, 2.6 times higher medical expenditures than those without diabetes.
• A state-based survey will provide insights into community health needs.
• The annual State of Diabetes event serves as a pivotal gathering, uniting employers, industry leaders, healthcare professionals, and community members.

Sources:

• American Diabetes Association (ADA)
• American Diabetes Month
• Northeastern University in Charlotte NC