Macon, Ga. (November 5, 2025) – In Georgia, about 1 million people have diabetes, a chronic condition that affects how the body regulates glucose, or blood sugar, levels.
That number, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health, only tells a fraction of the story, because there are an estimated 230,000 additional people in the state who are diabetic but unaware of it. Additionally, another 2 million Georgians are pre-diabetic, a health condition that can lead to full-blown diabetes unless measures are taken to control weight, increase exercise and eat healthier.
Because diabetes is so prevalent (an estimated 15 percent of all Bibb County adults have been diagnosed), Piedmont Macon is hosting its first-ever Diabetes Conference on Thursday, Nov. 13 at Forest Hills Church, 1217 Forest Hill Road, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The conference is free and includes lunch.
“Knowledge shouldn’t be a barrier to good health,” said Keri Wilbur, diabetes educator for Piedmont Macon. “By offering this conference free of charge, we’re opening the door to anyone – whether newly diagnosed or supporting a loved one with diabetes – to learn life-changing information and connect with the resources to make a positive and healthy difference in their lives.”
The conference includes sessions led by Piedmont Macon experts on topics such as:
- Diabetes 101
- Medication management
- Nutrition for diabetics
- Hypertension, heart health and diabetes
- Diabetes wound care
A final session presented by Anh Hoang Le, M.D., one of Piedmont’s new primary care physicians in Macon, will focus on questions to ask your PCP about diabetes.
“We want people to take the next step toward better health and the ability to better manage their diabetes,” Wilbur said. “Even if you think you know everything there is to know about diabetes, I believe everyone who attends will walk away with something they didn’t know before they arrived.”
Registration for the conference is required. To register, email Amanda.Greechan@piedmont.org.