In North Carolina, more than 1,060,700 individuals, 10.8% of the adult population, are living with diagnosed diabetes, with approximately 53,000 new cases identified each year.1 The economic impact of diabetes includes an estimated $11.8 billion in annual health care and lost productivity costs across the state. Compounding this issue, 34.0% of North Carolina adults have obesity, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and related complications.
To address these health challenges, and in recognition of National Diabetes Month, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina supported and participated in the American Diabetes Association’s State of Diabetes events in Raleigh and Charlotte.
Supporting statewide action during national diabetes month
Diabetes and obesity pose significant public health challenges, such as increased risk of heart disease, stroke and other serious complications, while driving substantial health care utilization and costs. As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise, so does the need for coordinated, education-driven solutions. Each November, National Diabetes Month serves as a call to action, bringing renewed focus to the individuals and families affected by diabetes and the collective responsibility to address its impact. In 2025, the national theme, “Empowerment Through Education,” emphasized the impact of knowledge on enabling prevention, early intervention and effective disease management.
The annual American Diabetes Association’s State of Diabetes events in 2025 brought together employers, health care professionals, payers, policymakers and community leaders to examine the evolving diabetes landscape and identify opportunities to drive measurable improvement. By sponsoring these events, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina reinforced its commitment to advancing access to care, elevating education and supporting collaborative solutions that improve health outcomes statewide.
