The American Diabetes Association Announces State of Diabetes: Nashville
Panelists to discuss Addressing Obesity and Diabetes: Strategies for Healthier Lives and Lower Costs
Nashville, TN. (October 29, 2025) –The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) is proud to host
State of Diabetes: Nashville on World Diabetes Day, November 14, at Riverside Revival in Nashville,
TN.
“The State of Diabetes Nashville brings together employers, health care leaders, and community
members united to improve health and wellbeing for individuals living with diabetes and obesity. This
event creates space to network, learn about emerging solutions, and collaborate on approaches that
drive healthier lives and reduce costs,” said Sarah Schmitz, the ADA’s executive director in the
Nashville market.
In Tennessee, approximately 816,800 adults, or nearly 13% of the adult population, have diagnosed
diabetes. Additionally, approximately 2.6 million adults in the state, or 38% 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
• Receive a practical toolkit with tailored solutions for employers and community members
• Enjoy a networking session and breakout activity
This year’s event is sponsored by Lilly and Gray Line Tennessee.
“Diabetes impacts a large percentage of the population, and we are proud to be a part of an event
such as this, highlighting the impactful research and treatment that is helping families lead healthier
lives,” said Chuck Abbott, president & CEO of Gray Line Tennessee.
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 diabetes.org/SODNashville. Media interested in
previewing or attending 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. 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
diabetes.org 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).