Panelists to discuss addressing the cost of diabetes and obesity on employers and our community
The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) is proud to host the first in-person State of Diabetes: Indiana on November 20 during American Diabetes Month® at the Ivy Tech Conference Center.
“The American Diabetes Association hopes to bring together employers with needed resources and answers on how they can help manage costs for diabetes and obesity and to best support their employees,” said Sarah Schmitz, executive director of the ADA’s Heartland market.
In Indiana, approximately 636,700 of adults, or 12% of the adult population, have diagnosed diabetes. Each year, an estimated 31,200 adults in Indiana 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 and other strategies to address the contemporary landscape of diabetes and the financial impact on employers and employees.
With National Sponsor, Lilly, and Platinum Sponsors, Humana, Marion County Public Health Department, Roche, and TrueRX Health Strategists, the ADA is pleased to bring State of Diabetes to Indianapolis.
“The significant and varied costs of diabetes are growing, and it will take the efforts of all of us—industry, employers, health authorities, neighbors, family, and friends—to reduce the burden in Indiana and beyond,” said Antonio Veraga, senior vice president of Core Lab and Near Patient Care at Roche Diagnostics North America. “As a global leader in diagnostics and an employer in Indianapolis, improving access to care so that all people with diabetes can afford and receive the support they need to manage their disease has been Roche's longstanding commitment. We continue to focus our expertise, capabilities, and resources in areas where we can make the most difference.”
“TrueRx Health Strategists is proud to sponsor the American Diabetes Association’s State of Diabetes event, recognizing its immense value for employers. This event provides essential insights into diabetes prevention and management, enabling employers to understand the financial impact on their workforce. As a fifth-generation, family-owned PBM, we’re not just another industry player—we’re health strategists dedicated to putting patients first. By supporting the ADA event, we align with our mission to offer valuable resources and personalized care, helping individuals manage diabetes effectively and achieve better overall health,” said Eric Barker, RPh, chief growth officer at TrueRX.
“At Humana, we put health first—both for our members and the communities we serve. That means that we are committed to delivering integrated health care and to addressing the health-related social needs that impact those living with chronic conditions like diabetes,” said DaWana Stubbs, MD, regional vice president, health services for Humana in Indiana. “Our strong provider relationships ensure our members have access to regular screenings and chronic disease management, and we also invest in local organizations that provide fresh and healthy food choices. With our focus on the whole person and all the factors that affect our members’ wellbeing, we can help our communities achieve their best health.”
“The number of residents in the Indianapolis metro area, age 18 and older, who have diabetes increased significantly between 2012 and 2022 from 9.3% to 11.3%,” said Virginia A. Caine, M.D., director and chief medical officer of the Marion County Public Health Department. “Prevention and treatment are critical to protecting the health of our community and lessening the impact of diabetes on public health. At MCPHD, outreach and education include offering free, accredited diabetes self-management classes monthly which provide personalized services for those with this chronic health condition. Improving a person’s health can have a positive impact on their overall quality of life.”
Over 38 million Americans are living with diabetes and obesity is a leading risk factor. Employers are searching for resources and key strategies to help their employees with diabetes and obesity and to prevent the disease for other employees. $34 billion this month and $412.9 billion per year will be spent on diabetes care. Diabetes is now the most expensive chronic disease in the U.S. impacting employers and employees.
This year’s event features keynote speaker Patrik Jonsson, executive vice president and president, Cardiometabolic Health and president, Lilly USA, and remarks from American Diabetes Association CEO Charles “Chuck” Henderson. Esteemed panelists will share their expert perspectives on addressing the cost of diabetes and obesity on employers and our community.
Panelists include:
- Dr. Brian Ulmer, diabetologist, Roche
- Dr. Chelsea Durnil, director of clinical solutions, True Rx Health Strategists
- Dr. DaWana Stubbs, regional vice president and chief medical officer, Humana
- Dr. Virginia Caine, director and chief medical officer, Marion County Public Health Department
Registration is free and open to employers and health care providers. To learn more and register, visit diabetes.org/sodindiana. Media interested in previewing the event can schedule an interview by emailing press@diabetes.org.
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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 diabetes.org 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).
