Panelists to discuss Addressing Obesity and Diabetes: Strategies for Healthier Lives and Lower Costs
The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) is proud to once again host its annual State of Diabetes: Chicago on November 13, during American Diabetes Month®, at Malcolm X College.
“Empowering our communities is essential in the fight to end diabetes and obesity. This event brings together employers, payers, advocates, health professionals, and people living with diabetes to share knowledge and strategies that can transform lives,” said Megyn Byrnes, executive director of the ADA’s Illinois market.
In Illinois, approximately 1.2 million adults, or 10.8% of the adult population, have diagnosed diabetes. Additionally, approximately 4.6 million adults in Illinois, or 36% of the adult population, have obesity.
For 85 years, the ADA has driven diabetes discovery and research. The annual State of Diabetes event serves as a pivotal gathering, uniting employers, industry leaders, health care professionals, and community members in support of the ADA’s mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Increasingly, this includes those living with obesity, as the Obesity Association™, a division of the ADA, expands outreach and education to this population.
On a shared platform, participants will engage with an expert panel in critical discussions on addressing the contemporary landscape of diabetes and obesity, as well as their financial impact on individuals and employers.
Attendees will also:
- Gain key insights from our state-based survey to address community health needs
- Enjoy a networking session and breakout activity
- Receive a practical toolkit with tailored solutions for employers and community members
The ADA is thrilled to acknowledge our sponsors, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Abbott, and CVS Healthspire for the event.
“Xeris Pharmaceuticals is proud to support the American Diabetes Association’s State of Diabetes program, especially here in our home state of Illinois, and working together to improve and enhance the lives of those living with diabetes every day. As we continue to focus on optimizing real-life strategies in navigating living with diabetes and implementing actionable steps to support our patient communities, Xeris continues to elevate the importance of access to ready-to-use glucagon to protect those living with diabetes and at risk of severe hypoglycemia,” said Dr. Anh Nguyen, chief medical officer of Xeris Pharmaceuticals.
Over 38 million Americans are living with diabetes, and with health care costs at an all-time high, people with diagnosed diabetes have on average 2.6 times higher medical expenditures than those without. This year’s esteemed panelists will share their expert perspectives on the discussion topic—Addressing Obesity and Diabetes: Strategies for Healthier Lives and Lower Costs. Attendees will learn about new treatments, lifestyle changes, and ways to make diabetes and obesity care more accessible—helping individuals, families, and employers support healthier lives and reduce overall medical costs.
Registration is free. To learn more and register, visit /SODChicago. Media interested in previewing or attending the event can schedule an interview by emailing press@.
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About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people thrive. This year, the ADA celebrates 85 years of driving discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure diabetes—and we’re not stopping. There are 136 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Through advocacy, program development, and education, we’re fighting for them all. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join us in the fight on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). To learn more about how we are advocating for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X (@AmDiabetesAssn).
