85 Years of Dedication: The American Diabetes Association Celebrates a Milestone

Strategic Insights -

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has been working tirelessly towards its vision of a world free from diabetes and its burdens for 85 years. Since its creation in 1940, the ADA has been a driving force in diabetes research, knowledge, treatment, and care. From opening the first ADA Camp in 1949 to launching the Power Up program in 2012, the ADA has been instrumental in improving the lives of people living with diabetes. In recent years, the organization has continued to make significant strides, including the launch of the Know Diabetes by Heart program in 2018 and the unveiling of the Saving Limbs initiative in 2022.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ADA has been hosting diabetes camps since 1949, serving nearly 3,300 children and families across the nation each year.
  • The ADA has funded hundreds of millions of dollars towards vital diabetes research through its Research Foundation.
  • The organization has established the largest number of recognized Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) programs available to people living with diabetes.
  • The ADA has published the annual Medical Guidelines for Diabetes Care since 1989, providing health care professionals with reliable, up-to-date guidance on the best practices for diabetes care.
  • The ADA has launched several programs aimed at improving the lives of people living with diabetes, including Power Up, Know Diabetes by Heart, and Saving Limbs.
  • In 2023, the ADA led the fight for affordable insulin, resulting in Medicare's decision to put a $35 monthly price cap on insulin.
  • The ADA has formed the (TM) division to help reduce the prevalence of obesity and improve care for people living with overweight and obesity.

Statistics:

  • 136 million Americans are living with diabetes or prediabetes.
  • The ADA has nearly 3,300 children and families served by camps each year.
  • Hundreds of millions of dollars have been funded towards diabetes research through the ADA's Research Foundation.
  • 46 states have Diabetes Cost Reduction Acts (DCRAs) in place, thanks to the ADA's state-level leadership.
  • The ADA has launched multiple programs aimed at improving the lives of people living with diabetes, including Power Up, Know Diabetes by Heart, and Saving Limbs.

Sources:

  • American Diabetes Association (ADA)
  • Press Release: "American Diabetes Association Celebrates 85 Years of Dedicated Work Toward a World Without Diabetes" (August 5, 2025)
  • ADA Website: "About the American Diabetes Association"
  • ADA Website: "History of the American Diabetes Association"