Contact:
For Immediate Release
Lauren Bryan/ 503-736-2770 ext 7296
lbryan@diabetes.org
The American Diabetes Association is celebrating 75 years of continuous progress working to improve the lives of
people with diabetes through research, advocacy and education
PORTLAND, OREGON (February 17, 2015) – Founded in 1940 with the mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to
improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes, the American Diabetes Association this year celebrates 75 years of
significant progress toward reaching each of these goals. This major milestone provides an opportunity to build greater
awareness of the seriousness of diabetes, which has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and around the
world, and the American Diabetes Association’s continuing fight to Stop Diabetes® and its often deadly complications.
The diabetes epidemic is taking a physical, emotional and financial toll on millions of people across the nation. Nearly 30
million children and adults in the United States have diabetes and another 86 million with prediabetes and are at risk for
developing type 2 diabetes. Recent estimates project that unless something is done to reverse the current trend, as
many as one in three American adults will have diabetes in 2050. The national annual cost of diagnosed diabetes is an
estimated $245 billion, representing a 41 percent increase over a five year period.
“While the American Diabetes Association has made substantial progress in the fight against diabetes and in improving
the lives of all people with diabetes, clearly we still have a long way to go,” said Samuel Dagogo-Jack, MD, FRCP,
President, Medicine & Science, American Diabetes Association. “As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we also renew our
commitment and dedication to the important work ahead of us.”
Celebrating Discovery, Innovation and Progress will serve as the theme for the anniversary campaign, acknowledging the
incredible amount of progress that has been made in diabetes treatment and management over the course of the past
75 years, while also looking toward further progress in the future.
“Throughout its history, the American Diabetes Association has served as the dedicated and achievement-filled leader
when it comes to standards of care, advocacy and quality of life for people living with diabetes,” stated Andrea Bruno,
Executive Director, American Diabetes Association, Oregon, Southwest Washington, and Southern Idaho. “We are proud
of our rich history and the progress we have made in the fight to Stop Diabetes.”
The Association leads the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes, fights for those affected by diabetes and
gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and
manage diabetes and offers programs, services and events to hundreds of communities across the country, providing
evidence-based information about diabetes prevention, management and treatment.
Join the Association throughout the year to be involved in activities that celebrate efforts in fundraising, volunteer
appreciation and outreach events focused on the Stop Diabetes movement.
February
Diabetes Day at the Capitol, Salem, OR (February 23)
Meet your legislators and join with other advocates from 9 am – 3 pm at the Oregon
State Capitol
March
American Diabetes Association ALERT DAY (March 24)
Know your risk, visit diabetes.org/portlandalert
June
Father of the Year Awards, Moda Center in Portland, OR (June 10)
Visit diabetes.org/portlandfoty for more details
July
Tour de Cure, Amber Glen Park in Hillsboro, OR (July 25)
Register and start a team at diabetes.org/portlandtourdecure
November
American Diabetes Month
Visit diabetes.org/adm for information and tools.
Pacific Northwest Diabetes Week (November 14-22)
Visit unite4wellness.org for information and events
Diabetes Community Forums, (TBD)
To learn more about the 75th anniversary, visit diabetes.org/75years. For more information about diabetes, call 1-800DIABETES (800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org. Information is available in English and Spanish.
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