World Diabetes Day: Focusing on “Diabetes & Wellbeing”
November 14, 2025 marks World Diabetes Day—a global opportunity to raise awareness about the impact of diabetes and the importance of proper management, education, and support. This year’s American Diabetes Association (ADA) theme, “Diabetes & Wellbeing,” highlights how managing diabetes isn’t just about medication—it’s about improving quality of life, building confidence, and fostering a sense of community and support.
For many people living with diabetes, the diagnosis can feel overwhelming at first. It requires learning new habits, understanding blood glucose levels, and making lifestyle adjustments that can be challenging to maintain. But with the right education, encouragement, and care, meaningful progress is possible.
At Chesapeake Health Care, we see these transformations every day. Since October 2023, our care teams have helped countless patients take control of their diabetes—moving from sedentary lifestyles to active ones, rejoining the workforce, or simply enjoying more energy and vitality. With education and support from our nurse care managers, these patients are learning how to make healthier food choices, follow their prescribed medications, monitor their glucose levels, and incorporate regular exercise into their routines.
As Juanita Davenport, RN, BSN, Nurse Care Manager with the HOPs (Health Outreach Partners), explains, “Diabetes can be a daunting disease, but our patients have learned to make better choices and stick with their care plans. Their A1C levels are dropping, and they’re needing fewer provider visits. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how much better they feel—both physically and mentally.”
A Story of Success: Mr. Johnson’s Journey
One inspiring example of diabetes management in action comes from Mr. Clem Johnson, a Chesapeake Health Care patient whose journey shows just how powerful education and community support can be.
At the beginning of 2025, Mr. Johnson’s type 2 diabetes was uncontrolled, with an A1C of 13.9%. His goal was to bring that number below 7% and eventually reduce his reliance on insulin. Through hard work, determination, and the encouragement of those around him, Mr. Johnson has now lowered his A1C to 6.4%—a remarkable achievement.
He credits his wife and his coworkers at the Town of Snow Hill Public Works Department for playing key roles in his success.
“My wife stays on me at home, making sure I’m eating right and taking my medicine,” he shared. “And my coworkers remind me about my meds, and even check in on what I’m eating! They’ve really helped me a lot.”
For Andrea Hickman, RN, Nurse Care Manager with the HOPs, stories like Mr. Johnson’s are exactly what World Diabetes Day is about—education, empowerment, and wellbeing.
“It’s so encouraging to see a patient surrounded by support at home and at work,” Hickman said. “Not everyone has that kind of community, but it makes such a difference. What’s even more inspiring is that now Mr. Johnson is the one educating his coworkers about healthy habits. That’s how real change spreads.”
Empowering Better Health Through Education
World Diabetes Day reminds us that managing diabetes is a journey—and no one should have to walk it alone. By fostering awareness and supporting education in our communities and workplaces, we can help more people live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
At Chesapeake Health Care, we’re proud to offer free diabetes self-management classes led by our Community Health Outreach Workers. These 2-part sessions teach participants about nutrition, exercise, medication management, and monitoring glucose levels—all tools to improve wellbeing and quality of life.
To learn more or register for an upcoming class, call or text Anita Ramos, Certified Health Outreach Worker, at 410-831-3093.
