Successfully managing diabetes requires knowledge and ongoing vigilance, which at times can seem overwhelming. That's why the Knox County Health Department (KCHD) offers a free Diabetes Management Series several times a year. The four-part series provides information on how to manage diabetes through proper diet, medication and exercise. Individuals diagnosed as diabetic or pre-diabetic are encouraged to attend. We encourage attendees to bring their spouse, family member or close friend to the classes because a strong support system can be extremely helpful in managing the disease.
Series Schedule
When: Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. on May 5, 12, 19 and 26
Where: Knox County Health Department auditorium, 140 Dameron Ave.
How: Call 865-215-5170 to register
Parking: Parking is free and is available across the street
Click here to learn more about our diabetes management resources.
Diabetes can cause serious health complications including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and lower-extremity amputations. In 2014, it was estimated that 10.5 percent of Knox County adults (18+ years) have been diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. and the eighth leading cause of death in Knox County. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if current trends continue, as many as 1 out of 3 U.S. adults could have diabetes by 2050.
The Diabetes Management Series has been a highly sought after KCHD program since the 1970s. Due to the prevalence of the disease, KCHD also administers several prevention programs aimed at reducing diabetes rates, including the Nutrition Education Activity Training (NEAT) after-school program, mini-grants for local businesses to improve diet and physical activity among employees, walking school bus programs, breastfeeding promotion and advocacy, community engagement programs, and others.
