At the 85th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA 2025) held in Chicago, Dr. Charles Henderson, Chief Executive Officer of the ADA, delivered the opening address, reviewing the Association’s 85-year history and announcing its four strategic pillars and core focus areas.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Charles Henderson stated that for 85 years, the ADA has collaborated with the finest researchers, scientists, and professionals to advance the vision of ending diabetes. While celebrating the progress made in the fight against diabetes, we all recognize that much work remains ahead for all of us in this battle. Against the backdrop of the ADA’s 85th anniversary, he outlined an ambitious strategy to combat diabetes.
Dr. Henderson identified research, advocacy, education, and connection as the foundational pillars of the ADA’s strategy, fully supporting four priority areas:diabetes prevention and management, health access and equity, nutrition and wellness, and obesity prevention and treatment.He emphasized that prevention and management serve as the cornerstone, running through all efforts and driving the vision of a world free from the burden of diabetes.
On health access, the ADA pledged to be an advocate for people at high risk of diabetes in underserved communities. Through customized outreach, improved access to education and resources, removal of barriers to care, and building trust, the Association will ensure policies and funding prioritize equitable care.In the area of “nutrition and wellness”, the ADA is committed to translating scientific consensus into action and advancing policies to ensure universal access to healthy foods.
Dr. Henderson reaffirmed that obesity is an epidemic affecting more than 40% of U.S. adults, and that up to 53% of new type 2 diabetes (T2DM) cases each year are attributable to obesity.He noted the launch of the Obesity Society, a new division of the ADA, announced last year — a critical step aimed at transforming the conversation around obesity and managing it as a chronic disease.Since then, the Association has developed and released sections of the Standards of Care for Overweight and Obesity, with upcoming sections to be published soon.He also announced the recent appointment of Dr. Samar Hafida as the new Vice President of the Obesity Society.
Dr. Henderson highlighted that 90% of people with diabetes are managed by primary care teams, and the ADA is partnering with seven major professional associations to strengthen primary care support.He called on the entire audience to join ADA advocacy efforts and participate in “Diabetes Research Action Day” to protect Medicaid, nutrition assistance, and critical research programs.