About Us

Diabetes Association of Atlanta, Inc. (DAA)
The mission of the Diabetes Association of Atlanta, Inc. (DAA) is to improve the quality of life for people with diabetes through screening, education and medical assistance in a caring, responsible way. Our strategic direction will continue to pursue the prevention side of health by focusing on teaching positive nutrition and physical activity behaviors to youth ages 11-14. DAA has made a name for itself in the metropolitan Atlanta community by its steadfast commitment to serving those affected by diabetes. We began as an all-volunteer support group of parents of children with diabetes in 1952 by Mrs. Ernest (Louise) Williams. Under the guidance of Dr. Christopher McLoughlin, the group expanded to include adults and interested physicians and was incorporated in 1953. DAA has grown and emerged into a full-service agency addressing the financial, medical, and educational needs of people living with diabetes in the Atlanta metropolitan community. DAA is one of the few agencies in Atlanta that addresses the needs of people affected with diabetes through early detection screenings, quality comprehensive self-management education and medical assistance.

1. Our Early Detection Program is a health screening process that identifies individuals who may have diabetes or who may be at risk of developing diabetes.
2. Ten hour self-management classes taught by certified diabetes educators, registered nurses and registered dieticians comprise our Education Program. Our American Diabetes Association certified classes include two follow-ups and three laboratory glucose tests. Classes are open to individuals with diabetes and their support persons.
3. Our Medical Assistance Program (MAP) offers education and medical supplies (e.g. glucose monitors, testing strips, insulin, and syringes) to clients with a household income at or below poverty level. We provide assistance on an emergency basis for one month and clients may qualify for up to six months on assistance on MAP.

H2 (Healthy Habits) Youth Program
Thirty-three percent (33%) of Georgia middle school students (11-14 years of age) are at risk for being overweight or are already overweight (Georgia Overweight and Obesity Fact Sheet, 2004). Only 29% of Georgia’s middle school students attended physical education class daily and fifty-two percent (52%) watched 3 hours or more of television per day on an average school day in 2003 (2003 Georgia Student Health Survey Report).

Type 2 diabetes has historically been identified as adult-onset diabetes. However, among youth in the United States, the percentages with type 2 diabetes- the type associated with being overweight and inactive- ranges from 8%-45% (2003 Georgia Diabetes Report). In Georgia, the statewide prevalence of type 2 diabetes in youth is unknown. Nonetheless, with the high rates of overweight/obesity, unhealthy eating, and physical inactivity among our youth, the type 2 diabetes rates can be potentially high.

The mission of H2 is to teach and promote within middle school youth, healthy habits and lifestyles for the prevention of complications from obesity and diabetes. The name was chosen because we want to help youth establish positive foundational goals related to health. Therefore, our overall goal is to make healthy eating and regular physical activity “habits” in metropolitan Atlanta youth’s lives.

Since its beginnings in 2005, H² has established 2 Youth Councils (DeKalb and Fulton Counties), presented at an international public health conference, instituted community partnerships with Sandtown Middle School, Berean Christian Church, GoGirlGo! Atlanta, and GOAL, Inc. (Girls’ Opportunities for Adventure and Leadership); hired a graduate student from Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health; received corporate contributions from Kraft Foods, Inc. and Whole Foods; and secured grant funds from Steps to a Healthier DeKalb, Amylin-Lilly Pharmaceuticals, and the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation.