The Journey

The Association was founded by 26 physicians when it got underway seventy-five years ago. It remained an organization for
health care professionals during its first 30 years. In 1970, the Association welcomed general members. And in the years since,
it has grown to include a network of more than 1 million volunteers. Yet diabetes has proven a stubborn foe.

1940

Founders of the American Diabetes Association (Seated, left to right, Frederick W. Williams, M.D.; J. West Mitchell, M.D.; Edward Tolstoi, M.D.; Mrs. Charles F.
Bolduan; and George E. Anderson, M.D. Standing, left to right, Beverly Chew Smith, M.D.; George C. Thosteson, M.D.; Cecil Striker, M.D.; William S. Reveno,
M.D.; Paul F. Polentz, M.D.; C.B.F. Gibbs, M.D.; and Joseph T. Beardwood, Jr., M.D.)

American Diabetes Association Founded

The American Diabetes Association is founded to address the increasing incidence of diabetes and the complications that
develop from the disease. Professional Membership is $2 per year.

1941

First Scientific Sessions Held

The first American Diabetes Association Annual Meeting (now Scientific Sessions) was held on June 1, 1941, in Cleveland,
Ohio, with about 250 attendees. The keynote address was given by insulin co-discoverer Charles Best, MD, and the first
Banting Memorial Address was delivered by Elliott P Joslin, MD. Five medical papers were delivered at the 1941 meeting.
Today, more than 3,000 abstracts are submitted to each Scientific Sessions, with more than 700 speakers giving presentations.

1945

Affiliates Recognized
Having started as a single organization of physicians focusing on diabetes, in 1945 the Association established a formal
process to recognize local lay organizations as American Diabetes Association Affiliates.

1948

Diabetes ForecastLaunched
Diabetes Forecast (originally titled ADA Forecast) was launched in 1948 as a quarterly publication, with the help of an
anonymous donation of $100,000 over 3 years. About 53,000 sample copies were distributed to physicians, pharmacists, and
clinics.

1949

Standardized Insulin Syringe Approved

Becton Dickinson and Company began production of a standardized insulin syringe designed and approved by the American
Diabetes Association. The standardized syringe reduced dosing errors and the associated episodes of hyperglycemia and
hypoglycemia.

1949

Diabetes Health Film Produced

The Association joined forces with the U.S. Public Health Service to produce this drama to education the public about diabetes.

Photo from Camp Seale Harris, ca. 1988

1949

First Camp Established

American Diabetes Association Camps for children with diabetes are among the most successful, best known, and oldest of the
Associations initiatives. In 1949, an American Diabetes Association Affiliate sponsored Camp Seale Harris in Montgomery,
Alabama and the camping program grew from there.

In 2014, the Association hosted more than 5,400 children with diabetes at more than 50 sessions of camps in 24 states. A
survey of parents showed improvement for campers in knowledge of diabetes management, diabetes management behaviors,
confidence to manage diabetes, confidence to interact with peers and emotional well-being. Parents also reported that the
average A1C of campers dropped from 7.63% before camp to 7.05% following camp.

1950

Food Exchange Diet Approach Began

The American Diabetes Association, the American Dietetic Association and the U.S. Public Health Service devised a meal
planner that divided foods into six groups, or exchanges, based on the calories, carbohydrate, protein, and fat in each serving
of food. Accounting for the impact of meal composition on glucose levels became a key component of diabetes management.

1952

First Direct Research Grants Funded

The American Diabetes Association funded its first direct research grants. Since 1952, the Association has invested more than
$700 million, supporting nearly 4,500 research projects that have contributed immeasurably to enhancements in diabetes
treatment and outcomes. People with diabetes are living longer, healthier lives thanks to advancements in biomedical research.

1952

First Edition of DiabetesPublished

The first publication of the American Diabetes Association was The Proceedings, followed soon byDiabetes Abstracts. The first
edition of the journalDiabetes was published in January 1952, incorporating the two earlier publications.Diabetes soon became
and remains the leading diabetes journal in the world.

1953

First Postgraduate Course Held

The first American Diabetes Association Postgraduate Course was held in January 1953 in Toronto, under the direction of
Charles Best, co-discoverer of insulin.

President Lyndon Johnson

1965

Medicare and Medicaid Programs Created

President Lyndon Johnson signed the Social Security Amendments Act into law, establishing the Medicare and Medicaid
programs. Today, these programs cover millions of Americans with, and at risk for, diabetes.

Gail Patrick, First Chair of the Board of Directors

1970

Transition to a Voluntary Health Association Made

From its inception, the American Diabetes Association had been led entirely by medical professionals. In 1970 the Association
reorganized to become a Voluntary Health Association, with both lay and professional members, led by a Board of Directors.

1979

First National Diabetes Week Observed

The first National Diabetes Week was observed during President Jimmy Carters administration from October 8-14. In 1982,
President Reagan became the first to designate a month-long awareness observation for diabetes, which continues each
November.

1980

First Dietary Guidelines for Americans Published

The first Dietary Guidelines for Americans were published jointly by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), providing evidence-based recommendations for a nutritious diet to improve
health outcomes. With the passage of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act, signed by President George
H. W. Bush on October 22, 1990, HHS and USDA were required to update the Dietary Guidelines for Americans every five
years.

1987

Education Recognition Program Implemented

In the 1980s, the American Diabetes Association began establishing uniform criteria for the key components of an effective
diabetes education program. In 1987 the Association began recognizing programs that met all of the criteria and, within 3 years,
140 programs were recognized around the country. ADA recognition later became the basis for Medicare reimbursement for
delivery of diabetes education.

1987

Autoantibody Found to Predict Type 1 Diabetes

The 64K autoantibody originally discovered in 1982 was found to be predictive of type 1 diabetes.

1987

Diabetes Treatment During Pregnancy Revised

Researchers determined that tight control of glucose levels during pregnancy was important for the health of the baby, and
continued to study how diabetes increased the risk for birth defects.

1988

Diabetes Risk Test Introduced

To coincide with Alert Day, the American Diabetes Association introduced the first Diabetes Risk Test to help people recognize
the risk factors for diabetes and whether they should be screened for diabetes.

1988

First Amicus Brief Filed

The American Diabetes Association filed its first amicus (friend of the court) brief in a lawsuit involving diabetes discrimination.
The Association has filed many such briefs in the years since, explaining diabetes and its management to courts deciding these
cases and protecting the rights of people living with the disease.

1989

First Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes Issued

The American Diabetes Association released its firstStandards of Medical Care in Diabetes to guide physicians in the treatment
of diabetes. The first issue was four pages in length. Now updated annually, the 2015 issue comprises a 93-page supplement to
the journal Diabetes Care, reflecting the significant contributions of research in recent decades to improve understanding of
diabetes, and the associated increase in therapeutic options to manage diabetes and treat and prevent complications.

1989

Glucose Transport into Cells Discovered

Glucose was discovered to be taken up by muscle and fat cells via a transporter known as GLUT-4. Uncovering how glucose is
transported from the bloodstream into cells will allow scientists to begin drug development with a goal of speeding up the
transport, in cases of high blood glucose, or slowing it down in cases of low blood glucose.

1990

Americans with Disabilities Act Passed

President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act. The law prohibits discrimination against people with
disabilities, including diabetes. Empowered by this new law, the American Diabetes Association began its legal advocacy
program, fighting to end discrimination against people with diabetes. The Associations legal advocacy program has provided
assistance to thousands of families and continues to fight for the legal rights of workers, children, and people living with
diabetes.

1991

First Step Out Held

Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes is the signature fundraising walk of the American Diabetes Association. Formerly Step Out:
Walk to Fight Diabetes and Americas Walk for Diabetes, the event has raised more than $200 million to Stop Diabetes.
In 2014, more than 100,000 walkers participated in 105 Step Out events across the country to raise nearly $24 million.

1991

First Diabetes Cost Reduction Act Passed

Wisconsin passed the first Diabetes Cost Reduction Act (DCRA). DCRAs mandate coverage for diabetes benefits in health
insurance. While the acts vary across the country, they generally require health insurance providers to cover diabetes supplies
and durable medical equipment, medications, diabetes self-management education and medical nutrition therapy. The
Associations advocacy efforts have been instrumental in passing these bill in 46 states - an unparalleled success in the
voluntary health arena. By ensuring that people with diabetes have access to the health insurance benefits they need to
maintain good health, the high costs of complications and emergencies can be avoided. The Association continues to work to
maintain the level of coverage in the face of various attempts to repeal state mandated benefits.

1991

First Tour de Cure Held

The Tour de Cure is a series of fundraising cycling events now held in 44 states nationwide to benefit the American Diabetes
Association. The first Tour de Cure events were held at five pilot sites, including Buffalo, NY; New Jersey; New Hampshire;
Napa, CA; and St. Louis, MO.
In 2014, 89 Tour de Cure events attracted more than 61,000 cyclists who raised more than $26 million to support the mission of
the American Diabetes Association: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

1994

Diabetes.org Launched
Diabetes.org went live for the first time in August 1994 at the main office of the Texas Affiliate in Austin, TX. The first American
Diabetes Association website had been launched by the Oregon Affiliate, and immediately followed by one launched by the
Missouri Affiliate. Both the Oregon and Missouri sites were eventually abandoned when Diabetes.org was adopted as the web
site for the newly consolidated organization.

1995

State Efforts to Improve Health Coverage Initiated

The American Diabetes Association focused its state efforts upon improving the health insurance coverage available to people
with diabetes. The Association has formed partnerships and coalitions with state elected officials and other health organizations
to ensure that everyone has access to quality health care coverage.

1996

Fast-Acting Insulin Introduced

Lispro (a lysine-proline analog) was introduced by Eli Lilly and Company as the worlds fastest acting insulin at the time.

1996

FAA Ban on Licensing Pilots Using Insulin Lifted

Following advocacy efforts by the American Diabetes Association, the Federal Aviation Administration lifted its ban on licensing
pilots who used insulin and began allowing people with diabetes to obtain recreational and private pilot licenses.

1997

New Diabetes Terminology and Diagnostic Levels Adopted

The terms insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM) had long been used to describe
different groups of diabetes patients. The terms type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes were adopted to define diabetes by cause
rather than by treatment. In addition, the fasting glucose level for diagnosing diabetes was lowered from 140 mg/dl to 126 mg/dl
to better reflect the point at which diabetes complications begin to develop.

1997

National Diabetes Education Program Created

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the CDC announce the creation of the National Diabetes Education Program
(NDEP) at the American Diabetes Associations Scientific Sessions in Boston. The NDEP's goals were to reduce the rising
prevalence of diabetes, the morbidity and mortality of the disease, and its complications.

1998

First Drug in Meglitinide Class Developed

Repaglinide, brand name Prandin (Novo Nordisk), was developed. Repaglinide belongs to a class of drugs known as
meglitinides, which stimulate insulin secretion in the presence of glucose.

1998

Affiliates and National Office Consolidated

The American Diabetes Association Board of Directors voted to invite State Affiliates and the National Office to consolidate into
a single, unified organization on June 25, 1998. Prior to that, affiliates were separately incorporated, each with its own board or
directors. Over the next 12 months the affiliates individually determined whether to accept the invitation, with all but two
(Mississippi and Delaware) choosing to do so. By September 1999 the American Diabetes Association had become
organizationally one.

1999

Continuous Glucose Monitoring Approved

The FDA approved the first-ever physician-use continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. The device was able to record
blood glucose data over a 3-day period for analysis in a healthcare professionals office. In 2005, the FDA approved the first
patient-use CGM system. CGM allows patients to monitor for potentially dangerous high or low blood glucose levels. One
critical use of CGM is in development of an artificial pancreas, in which the glucose monitor can transmit information to an
insulin pump and automate appropriate infusion of insulin. Fully automated artificial pancreas technology remains hampered
due to limitations in current glucose monitoring technology and the potential dangers of low blood glucose levels. Current
studies, including research supported by the American Diabetes Association, seek to overcome the low blood glucose risk by
linking the technology to a glucagon pump, creating a dual-hormone artificial pancreas.

1999

First Safe at School Law Passed

With American Diabetes Association backing, Virginia passes legislation to help make sure students with diabetes are safe at
school. The law was the start of the Safe at School campaign, which has led to the passage of diabetes school care legislation
in more than half the states.

2002

Diabetes Prevention Program Findings Published

Researchers published results of the Diabetes Prevention Program, which found individuals at the greatest risk for diabetes
could prevent or delay the disease with a lifestyle intervention that resulted in 5-7 percent weight loss. This discovery paved the
way for the National Diabetes Prevention Program, a low-cost, community-based program that allowed individuals to lower their
risk for diabetes through group lifestyle classes. The National Diabetes Prevention Program was established by Congress and
enacted as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act signed into law on March 23, 2010.

2002

Definition of Prediabetes Issued

The American Diabetes Association defined prediabetes as impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and/or impaired glucose tolerance
(IGT). IFG is defined as a fasting blood glucose of 100-125 mg/dl, and IGT is defined as a glucose level from 140-199 mg/dl two
hours after consuming a glucose-rich drink. Later, A1C levels of 5.7 percent to 6.4 percent are also used to identify individuals
with prediabetes.

2003

Ban Lifted on People Who Use Insulin Driving Commercial Vehicles

After more than three decades, with intense advocacy efforts by the American Diabetes Association, the federal government
lifted its absolute ban on people who use insulin driving commercial vehicles. Since then, thousands of individuals have
received exemptions allowing them to drive these vehicles on the job.

2003

Lawsuit Against the Philadelphia Police Department Settled

The American Diabetes Association settled a lawsuit against the Philadelphia Police Department. The lawsuit addressed
problems with diabetes care and treatment in police custody, and led to changes in city policy and training for officers on how to
respond to people with diabetes in emergencies. The Association continues to work to improve police awareness and response
to people with diabetes and medical care provided in the correctional system.

2003

Helping the Student with Diabetes Succeed Released

The Department of Education and partners, including the American Diabetes Association, released Helping the Student with
Diabetes Succeed," part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure that all students are safe in a school setting.

2008

ACCORD, ADVANCE, and VADT Studies Published

The results of the ACCORD, ADVANCE, and VADT studies were published and presented at the American Diabetes
Association Scientific Sessions. All three studies failed to show a benefit of intensive glycemic control on cardiovascular
outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes who were at high cardiovascular risk. The results from these studies led to clinical
recommendations that called for a more individualized approach to setting glycemic goals and treatment targets.

2010

Affordable Care Act Signed

President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. This law created major health care reform in the United
States, including putting an end to discriminatory health insurance practices. In 2013, Health Insurance Marketplaces opened in
every state, providing a new opportunity for individuals and families to purchase health insurance that was subject to numerous
new consumer protections. In 2014, health insurance plans were no longer allowed to deny coverage, charge more, or refuse to
cover treatments due to a preexisting condition, including diabetes.

2011

First Diabetes Action Plan Passed

Kentucky becomes the first state to pass Diabetes Action Plan legislation. Diabetes Action Plan legislation requires states to
assess the burden of diabetes within the state (personal and fiscal) using data sources and package that information into a
report along with policy recommendations for reducing the burden of diabetes which is then shared with the state legislatures.
The reports highlight the dearth of resources allocated to this significant health problem and encourage policy makers to
engage stakeholder groups, including the American Diabetes Association, on best practices and policy recommendations.

2013

Pathway to Stop DiabetesProgram Launched

The American Diabetes Association launched thePathway to Stop Diabetes program, a bold initiative designed to radically
transform diabetes research. The program provides substantial, long-term funding and collaborative networks to brilliant young
diabetes scientists and established senior investigators in other fields to pursue innovative diabetes research projects.

2013

Safe at School Landmark Ruling Issued

The California Supreme Court ruled in a landmark case that non-medical school staff can administer insulin to students in the
states public schools. The American Diabetes Association led the fight in this case, which helped prevent students in the state
from being denied access to insulin at school.

2014

Historic Diabetes Prevention Funding Provided

President Barack Obama signed the FY2014 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 113-76) into law. The legislation provided a
historic increase in diabetes prevention funding at the CDCs Division of Diabetes Translation (DDT). The bill provided $137.3
million for DDT, which was a $73 million increase in funding, and more than double the resources provided in the previous
years budget.

2014

Diabetes Complications Reduced

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that the incidence of diabetes complications dramatically
improved as a result of research advances and preventive care over the course of 20 years (1990-2010). Among people with
diabetes, the study showed a 52.9% reduction in stroke; 67.8% reduction in acute myocardial infarction; 51.4% reduction in
amputation; 28.3% reduction in end stage renal disease and 64.4% reduction in hyperglycemic crisis deaths.
Unfortunately, the same year, CDC reported that 29.1 million Americans9.3% of the U.S. populationhave diabetes. Nearly
30 percent of these are undiagnosed and another 86 million Americans have pre-diabetes. Continued investment in critical
research is required to ultimately Stop Diabetes.