Diabetic Social’s Visionary Chaka Jackson Shares Her Journey on WKRN
Diabetic Social’s Visionary Chaka Jackson Shares Her Journey on WKRN
In a candid and inspiring interview with WKRN's Channel 2 News, Chaka Jackson, the founder and president of Diabetic Social, opened up about her personal battle with diabetes and how it spurred the creation of a community-centric health movement.
At just 19, Jackson faced a life-altering diagnosis of diabetes, which came with a daunting list of dos and don'ts. With her weight plummeting to 99 pounds, it was her grandmother who first spotted the symptoms and urged her to seek medical help. The diagnosis was stark—her blood sugar levels were dangerously high at 598, and her pancreas had ceased producing insulin. Suddenly, her life was a regimen of shots and strict health management.
However, the prevailing attitude from the healthcare professionals at the time—though well-intentioned—left Jackson with more questions than answers. This gap in patient education and support became the catalyst for Diabetic Social. Jackson realized that a diabetes diagnosis affects not just the individual but their entire family, and immediate education is crucial.
Determined to change the narrative, she pledged to create an organization within a month—an organization that would provide the much-needed education and support for individuals and families navigating diabetes.
The result? Diabetic Social's Annual Health & Wellness Fair, an event encapsulating Jackson's vision of spreading diabetes awareness and promoting early detection. This year’s fair, taking place in November—Diabetes Awareness Month—promises free screenings, food, and invaluable education sessions. The fair will feature speakers like internal medicine doctors and podiatrists, highlighting the importance of comprehensive diabetes management, including foot care.
Chaka Jackson's journey is not just one of personal triumph but also of community empowerment. She stresses that early detection can reveal other underlying conditions and, in cases like Type 2 diabetes, can lead to reversal and better management with the right knowledge and tools.
This year’s fair is more than just an event—it's a testament to Jackson's resilience and her unwavering dedication to making diabetes management accessible and understandable. It's a clarion call for the community to gather, learn, and take control of their health in a supportive and positive environment.
To hear more about Chaka Jackson’s journey and the upcoming Health & Wellness Fair, WKRN will feature the full interview on their website. Embrace the opportunity to learn, engage, and celebrate life beyond diabetes in a vibrant and educational setting.
For more details and to get inspired by Chaka Jackson's powerful story, tune in to WKRN.com. Her story is not just one of courage but also an invitation to everyone to make the most of Diabetic Social’s resources and support.