The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) is pleased to bestow the State Advocate of the Year award on Shagun Bindlish, MC, FACP, FOMA, recognizing her enthusiasm, passion, and impactful contributions to diabetes advocacy in California. This prestigious award recognizes individuals whose dedication and leadership have significantly advanced diabetes advocacy at the state level.
Dr. Bindlish was honored during the 2026 Call to Congress event in Washington, DC, where Diabetes Advocates from across the country gathered to urge lawmakers to advance policies that improve the lives of people living with diabetes.
An internationally recognized diabetologist and physician leader, Dr. Bindlish specializes in diabetes and metabolic health and has built a reputation as an advocate for equitable, evidence-based care. Her willingness to share her experiences as a clinician and her passion for improving access to diabetes care have helped elevate the urgency of addressing diabetes at the state policy level.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the American Diabetes Association,” said Dr. Bindlish. “Advocacy is an extension of the care we provide in our clinics. This award reflects the collective dedication of advocates across California and the nation who work tirelessly advance equitable access to diabetes care. I remain committed to continuing this work and strengthening clinician leadership in shaping policies that improve the lives of those living with diabetes.”
Dr. Bindlish earned this recognition for her leadership and persistence in advancing policies at the state level, particularly her advocacy efforts capping out-of-pocket costs for insulin in California. With her dedication engaging lawmakers at the Capitol in Sacramento, she has used her voice as a physician to highlight the real-world challenges faced by patients and clinicians to advocate for meaningful policy solutions.
Dr. Bindlish is a board-certified internal medicine physician and a fellow of both the American College of Physicians and the Obesity Medicine Association. She currently serves as scientific and medical president for the ADA’s California market and is the president and founder of the Golden State Obesity Society, where she works to advance clinician leadership and collaboration in addressing cardiometabolic disease.
In addition to her advocacy work, Dr. Bindlish is a sought-after international speaker and medical leader. She serves as an editor for the ADA’s Clinical Diabetes® and for Obesity Pillars. Her work includes numerous peer-reviewed publications and contributions to clinical practice that focus on improving outcomes for individuals living with diabetes, obesity, or both.
###
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 —and we’re not stopping. There are over 155 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).
