ATLANTA — Eli Lilly and Co. this weekend is participating in an event hosted by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to help raise awareness among African-Americans about the need to better manage diabetes.

The 12th annual Victory Over Diabetes event on Aug. 7 in Atlanta will feature Eli Lilly’s Fearless African-Americans Connected and Empowered (F.A.C.E.) Diabetes initiative and campaign spokesperson, R&B sensation Angie Stone. The daylong event offers educational workshops, free health screenings and culturally relevant resources that empower African-Americans to better manage diabetes, a disease affecting more than 10% of Georgia’s adult population, the pharmaceutical company noted.

As part of the F.A.C.E. Diabetes initiative, Stone has been traveling to major cities around the United States since 2007 to raise awareness of the diabetes epidemic among African-Americans, a population disproportionately affected by the disease. In fact, according to the ADA, African-Americans are 1.8 times more likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites, Lilly reported.

"I know from experience that living with type 2 diabetes is a lifelong journey," commented Stone. "Today, I am successfully managing my diabetes through a series of positive lifestyle changes. I’m eager to share my story with my hometown of Atlanta to better motivate residents to become a change agent for themselves, their families and the African-American community."

Also attending this year’s event are the Hebni Nutrition Consultants, creators of the Soul Food Pyramid, who will conduct on-site diabetes-friendly cooking demonstrations. Their recipes and cooking tips will help teach attendees better dietary habits.

"We are excited to team up with F.A.C.E. Diabetes for the second year in a row for Victory Over Diabetes, now in its 12th year," stated Mike Gault, senior executive director for the ADA/Atlanta Region. "From learning how to cook with sugar substitutes to implementing a regular exercise routine, sponsors such as Lilly allow us to help those with diabetes take ownership of their condition through better self-management."