Approximately 1.1 million people in Georgia, or 14.2 percent of the adult population, have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Each year, an estimated 60,000 people in Georgia are diagnosed with diabetes, and the SGMC Diabetes Management Center seeks to help those diagnosed live a healthier lifestyle.

"Because diabetes increases a person’s risk for other serious medical conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and lower extremity amputations, it’s critical that diabetes be managed carefully," says Dawn Taylor, Director at the DMC. According to Taylor, staying healthy means more than just following your doctor’s plan and taking your medication. The DMC offers various education and tools to help.

One important opportunity open to anyone with diabetes is the center’s Diabetes Support Group which meets monthly.

On Monday, nearly 50 people gathered at Winn-Dixie to participate in a grocery store tour led by DMC team members. The tour focused on accurately reading food labels, calculating carbohydrate servings, and making overall healthier meal choices. "As you learn healthier ways to eat, snack, and cook for your diabetes, you’ll also learn how to make healthier choices for your family members,” said Taylor.