American Diabetes Association: Improving Lives of Diabetics

The American Diabetes Association is an organization first set up by doctors to help spread information about diabetes as well as help those who are suffering from the disease. First set up in 1940, the American Diabetes Association has become the US leading non-profit organization in terms of spreading awareness about the diabetes at the same time raising successfully millions of dollars to fund diabetes research.

Since diabetes continues to affects millions of Americans, the American Diabetes Association has continued with its activities in spreading the correct information about the disease. It is unfortunate though that most people are still misinformed about the disease. Individuals diagnosed with diabetes can count on American Diabetes Association to answer their questions regarding the disease, especially if these individuals had a hard time understanding their respective doctor’s explanation of their situation. Furthermore, the association will accommodate those who are pre-diabetic, providing them with necessary counseling which is aimed at preventing the full development of the disease.

Spreading the Word

As mentioned, the American Diabetes Association provides information not only to people diagnosed with diabetes but with individuals who are as well curious about the disease. When these people start asking questions about diabetes treatment, the association takes on a neutral stance. The diabetes association presents the various treatments available for patients, presenting both the advantages and disadvantages; in the end, the individual has the final say on what treatment he or she will choose.

The American Diabetes Association, with its numerous local chapters, also provides to diabetes patients counseling to help them adopt a lifestyle suitable to their situation. It also gives support since many people have hard time dealing with the disease as other health issues to arise.

Insurance companies also work hand in hand with the American Diabetes Association to help their clients get the right information regarding the disease and the numerous options that are available for the client and the family to take in coping with diabetes.

Raising Funds

Aside from being a good source of wide information regarding diabetes, the American Diabetes Association has created the ADA Research Foundation, to improve the association’s ability to raise funds for diabetes research. Currently, the association supports 164 institutions that are doing experimental studies on diabetes prevention, treatment, and cure.

Programs and Activities

The American Diabetes association works with communities, schools, and families to spread information about the disease. The association has created the Family Link program where families living with members having diabetes are armed with the necessary knowledge to help them cope with the disease. They also work with schools and communities to organize events to help distribute tool kits for families having children diagnosed with diabetes and establish parent to parent mentoring.