Participating, approved products will display the mark on select products to inform consumers
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Better Choices for Life program. The program is designed to aid shoppers in making better choices while shopping and is currently in its pilot stage. Products are selected through a science and evidence-based approach. At this time, prescription drugs are not evaluated or considered for the program. Following an extensive evaluation process, companies applying for participation and passing the evaluation may place the Better Choices for Life mark on their packaging, informing everyday purchases by consumers. It is important to note that selected products with the ADA label do not indicate endorsement.
“The marketplace is crowded with products and services targeting people with diabetes–some of which make claims which are questionable,” said Sonja Baro, Vice President of Product Innovation at the American Diabetes Association. “Our goal is to help people know if a product’s claims are based in evidence or are “healthy” for those concerned about diabetes management or prevention.”
Claims regarding a product’s relationship to health, including specifically referencing preventing, managing, or even reversing diabetes can be confusing. Consumers can look for the mark to understand if the ADA has evaluated the product for the strength of their claims from the ADA’s perspective.
Through the Better Choices for Life program, the ADA will:
- Provide consumers a simple way to identify products and services that are suitable for people with diabetes or at-risk for diabetes.
- Provide guidance to identify optimal food choices that support overall health goals and targets.
- Bring the ADA’s science and research to guide every day, split-second decision making via brand labeling and directional guidance.
Currently, there are three product categories in the program: Food and Nutrition, Health and Wellness, and Diabetes Management. Each category has explicit product types that are eligible for consideration, with more to be added. Products and services which have been evaluated are listed on the website at diabetes.org/resources/better-choices-life. Brands interested in learning more about becoming a part of the program may contact workplace@diabetes.org.
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,About the American Diabetes Association
Every day more than 4,000 people are newly diagnosed with diabetes in America. More than 122 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes and are striving to manage their lives while living with the disease. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to bend the curve on the diabetes epidemic and help people living with diabetes thrive. For 80 years the ADA has been driving discovery and research to treat, manage and prevent diabetes, while working relentlessly for a cure. We help people with diabetes thrive by fighting for their rights and developing programs, advocacy and education designed to improve their quality of life. Diabetes has brought us together. What we do next will make us Connected for Life. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383). Join the fight with us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn) and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn).
