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Trap yoga kicks off National Diabetes Awareness Month activities

The Emory Global Diabetes Research Center (EGDRC) kicked off National Diabetes Awareness Month at the Emory Student Center with an hour of trap yoga to focus on the mind-body connection, diabetes prevention and how movement can impact blood sugar management.

Some students, like junior Olivia Hwang, joined the session because of their coursework.

“I came to learn more about diabetes because I'm taking a nutrition science class that’s talking about the prevalence of diabetes in the U.S. and I wanted to learn more about it,” she says.

Other students, including junior Ragan Swanson, joined trap yoga with the health of loved ones in mind.

“My grandfather has type 2 diabetes, so in my family, we try to be more cautious about it,” Swanson says. “Movement is also such a good way to destress.”

Students learned how exercise positively impacts all types of diabetes — including the prevention of pre- and type 2 diabetes — and learned more about the classes and memberships available at Emory’s Woodruff PE Center. The session was offered In collaboration with Student Health Services and WoodPEC.

Globally, half a billion people have diabetes. In Georgia, approximately 1 million people have a diagnosis of diabetes, and more than 2 million Georgians have prediabetes — a condition that can be prevented from becoming type 2 diabetes.

From events on campus to community engagement in collaboration with Morehouse School of Medicine, Emory Eye Center, Emory School of Medicine and more, EGDRC is bringing awareness and solutions to bend the curve of growing diabetes burdens in Georgia and beyond.


National Diabetes Awareness Month schedule of events

Wednesday, Nov. 8

Seminar: “Disparities in Diabetes Prevalence and Management by Race and Ethnicity in the USA” with Saria Hassan, MD, MPH

12 p.m., R. Randall Rollins Building, Room 809

Saria Hassan, MD, is an assistant professor at the Emory School of Medicine and Rollins School of Public Health. She will summarize the findings and recommendations of a recent Lancet narrative review led by GCDTR colleagues. The seminar is open to the public but registration is required.


Tuesday, Nov. 14

World Diabetes Day Panel Discussion: “Diabetes in Georgia: Time for Collaborative Action”

4:30 p.m. (with a reception to follow), R. Randall Rollins Building, Margaret H. Rollins Room, Plaza Level

Approximately 1 million people in Georgia have a diabetes diagnosis. Prediabetes, a condition that can be prevented from becoming full diabetes, is also on the rise with 2 million cases in Georgia alone. On World Diabetes Day, EGDRC will host friends from all walks of life and all sectors of Georgia’s vibrant economy to address this important issue. RSVP to join the panel and reception.


Wednesday, Nov. 15

Global Symposium: “Diabetes Endotypes: The Way Forward”

10 a.m., online

Join the National Diabetes Awareness Month Global Symposium with speakers from the United States, Germany, United Kingdom, India and Mexico. The panel will review current evidence on diabetes endotypes and share their vision for the future of research and novel clinical applications for precision medicine. The event will take place via Zoom; register online today.


Saturday, Nov. 18

National Diabetes Awareness Month Health and Resource Fair 2023

10 a.m.-3 p.m., C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center (3201 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW, Atlanta)

Head to the resource fair to bring awareness and solutions to help underserved communities manage and prevent diabetes within metro Atlanta. Services/resources on site will include: Health and eye screening (provided by Emory Eye Center and Emory School of Medicine), yoga, Zumba, nutrition education, insurance representatives, giveaways and more. Offered in collaboration with Morehouse School of Medicine. Register in advance for yoga and Zumba classes.


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