Local Press Release

The American Diabetes Association Announces State of Diabetes: Boston in Roxbury, Massachusetts

October 23, 2024 | ROXBURY, MA
American Diabetes Association logo reversed out white on red background

Panelists to discuss Empowering Your Community to Combat Diabetes and Obesity 

The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) is proud to once again host its annual State of Diabetes: Boston on November 22 and 23, during American Diabetes Month®, at Roxbury Community College. 

“Empowering our communities is essential in the fight against diabetes and obesity. This two-day event brings together employers, advocates, and health professionals to share knowledge and strategies that can transform lives,” said Rachel Gibbons, the ADA’s executive director, New England area. “There will also be a free day of access with health screenings, vaccines, food, and resources for the community. By working together, we can create healthier environments and inspire individuals to take charge of their health, ultimately reducing the impact of these chronic diseases in our communities.” 
 
In Massachusetts, approximately 507,500 adults, or 9% of the adult population, have diagnosed diabetes. Each year, an estimated 33,400 adults in Massachusetts 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. 

This event is supported by key partners, such as Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Lilly, Genentech, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Massachusetts, Insulet, and Sun Life. 

Dr. Trang Ly, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Insulet says, "At Insulet, we are at the forefront of innovation, committed to improving the lives of people with diabetes with our revolutionary insulin delivery technology. We are proud to support ADA's State of Diabetes event, and I look forward to sharing key insights in order to advance diabetes care and empower the healthcare community." 

“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. 

“As a long-time sponsor of the American Diabetes Association, we are strongly focused on diabetes causes and helping people manage or avoid this disease,” said Miles Varn, M.D., chief medical officer, Sun Life U.S. “We are proud to support the State of Diabetes program because it not only helps educate and raise awareness, but it provides immediate on-site care to those who need it most. Supporting the ADA’s programs is a core component of our commitment to helping people access the care they need.” 

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, including Dr. Cynthia Holzer, chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Massachusetts, Dr. Trang Ly, chief medical officer at Insulet, and Amanda Gilchrist on behalf of Vertex, will share their expert perspectives on empowering your community to combat diabetes and obesity. More speakers to be announced. 

Registration is free and open to employers, health care professionals, community members, and more. To learn more and register, visit diabetes.org/sodboston. Media interested in previewing the event can schedule an interview by emailing press@diabetes.org

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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 diabetes.org 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).