A 2016 study out of UCLA found nearly half of California adults are either pre-diabetic or have undiagnosed diabetes. The debilitating illness afflicts 15.5 million Californians, though new technologies and prevention methods are providing some relief.

The nonprofit Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD) has launched conferences in cities across the country to provide support for those suffering from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, offering education on the subject often through humor.

Dr. Steven V. Edelman is the founder of TCYOD and a Type 1 diabetic himself. Edelman previews the conference and discusses the latest research.