Panelists to Discuss Obesity, Diabetes, and Health Care Costs: A Critical Focus for Employers
The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) is proud to once again host its annual State of Diabetes: Chicago on World Diabetes Day, November 14, at Malcolm X College in Chicago, IL.
“Empowering our communities is essential in the fight to end diabetes and obesity. This event brings together employers, advocates, and health professionals to share knowledge and strategies that can transform lives,” said Megyn Byrnes, the ADA’s executive director of the Illinois market. “The American Diabetes Association hopes to bring together employers with needed resources and answers on how they can help manage costs for diabetes and obesity and to best support their employees."
In Illinois, approximately 1,075,700 adults, or 10.9% of the adult population, have been diagnosed with diabetes. Each year, an estimated 58,000 adults in Illinois are diagnosed. The annual State of Diabetes event serves as a pivotal gathering, uniting employers, industry leaders, health care providers, and community experts. On a shared platform, professionals engage with an expert panel in critical discussions on how to leverage ADA resources to address the contemporary landscape of diabetes and the financial impact on employers and employees. Discussions are followed by a networking session. The ADA is pleased to have Elbert Huang, MD and general internist from the University of Chicago, as this year’s moderator.
“The ADA is thrilled to acknowledge our local Signature Sponsors, Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Xeris Pharmaceuticals, and Platinum Sponsor, Abbott, for the event.
“Vertex is proud to support the American Diabetes Association’s State of Diabetes program as we advance innovative potential treatments for people living with type 1 diabetes. By bringing diverse members of the community together, the ADA is facilitating conversation, partnership, and action which is essential to improve the care and outcomes of people living with diabetes,” said Amit Sachdev, Chief Patient and External Affairs Officer at Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
“At Abbott, we’re committed to investing in diabetes care because we understand the profound impact it has on individuals, families, and communities. But our passion for supporting this cause goes beyond developing innovative products—it’s about empowering people to live healthier, fuller lives. We believe that through collaboration, advocacy, and education, we can transform the landscape of diabetes management and make a lasting difference for those affected by this condition,” said Miguel Green, Abbott’s division vice president, cardiometabolic and informatics”.
Over 38 million Americans are living with diabetes, and with health care costs at an all-time high, people diagnosed with diabetes have on average 2.6 times higher medical expenditures than those who do not. This year’s esteemed panelists (to be announced) will share their expert perspectives on obesity in the diabetes landscape, in addition to the cost of healthcare for employers.
Registration is free and open to all, with the focus on employers, industry leaders, health care providers, payers, and community experts. To learn more and register, visit /sodchicago. Media interested in previewing 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. For 84 years, the ADA has driven discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure diabetes. 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 the fight with us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn).
