Panelists to discuss Addressing Obesity and Diabetes: Strategies for Healthier Lives and Lower Costs
The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) is proud to host its inaugural State of Diabetes: Portland on World Diabetes Day, November 14, at Oregon Health & Sciences University’s Vey Conference Center.
"Our State of Diabetes: Portland brings together employers, health care leaders, and community champions with one shared goal: to improve the future of health for all people impacted by diabetes and obesity. This event creates space for connection, collaboration, and real change. Together, we are building healthier communities today and for generations to come." said Meagan Darrow, the ADA’s executive director of the Pacific Northwest chapter.
State of Diabetes: Portland will be co-hosted by the Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center (HSDHC) at Oregon Health and Science University.
“Established in 2007 and endowed by the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, the HSDHC has been at the forefront of excellence in patient care in Oregon, and it is advancing research and discoveries for all people with diabetes. We are proud to partner with the American Diabetes Association to mark World Diabetes Day here in Oregon and the progress made for a better life for all people with diabetes,” said Rodica Busui, MD, PhD, Jordan Schnitzer-endowed chair in diabetes, director of HSDHC, and ADA national board member.
In Oregon, approximately 373,400 adults, or 9.5% of the adult population, have diagnosed diabetes. Additionally, approximately 1.4 million adults in the state, or 34% 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
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 /SODPortland. 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).
