The number is staggering – 25.8 million.

That’s how many children and adults in the United States have diabetes, and that’s why the Mizell Wellness Center is holding a diabetes academy on Tuesday.

Wellness Center Director Joni Ross said this isn’t the first time the center has held an event catered to diabetics, but it’s the first one in a while.

“Diabetes educators from Novo Nordisk will be on hand to answer questions and help diabetics of all ages learn to mange their disease,” Ross said. “We typically have between 10 and 15 people who attend. It’s a great workshop.”

The informational session will feature diabetes 101, which covers basic diabetes information and terminology; staying healthy, which provides convenient tips for eating healthy and staying active; and diabetes medication, which reviews the basics about insulin and other medications and demonstrates how to use Novo Nordisk devices.

The event will be held March 19, from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Mizell Wellness Center on Brantley Street in Opp.

For more information, call Ross at 493-1730.