Functions of the American Diabetes Association

The American Diabetes Association is the leading nonprofit health organization for diabetes in the United States.  It’s basic function is to provide funding for diabetes research, to provide information to society about diabetes and advocate for diabetics everywhere.

Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association has chapters in every state as well as the District of Columbia.  It conducts programs for diabetics to teach them how to manage their diabetes better.  It’s website, www.diabetes.org can be accessed at all times and provides a number of resources for diabetics.  Its stated mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

In order to do what it intends to do, the American Diabetes Association funds research.  It supports research through the National Institutes of Health as well as a number of other places.  At its website, it offers a Diabetes Research Database that can tell you where there is diabetes research near you.  The research is focused on better education, cures and prevention of complications of diabetes.  The epidemic of diabetes type II has lead to increased research on its prevention.

The American Diabetes Association is responsible for providing information and other services to people who suffer from diabetes and their families.  Information and seminars are provided for health professionals to learn about the latest advances in diabetic care.  The association lobbies with the government to increase scientific research and for the rights of diabetics in the workplace and in other areas of their lives.

The American Diabetes Association has a national call center for those interested in information or who have concerns about diabetes.  Over the previous year, more than 350,000 people used the call center to seek support or ask questions regarding diabetes and how to manage it.  There is no cost to contact the call center.  The number to the center is 1-800-DIABETES from Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. You can always obtain basic information through their automated system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The American Diabetes Association offers an online store at http://store.diabetes.org/.  The store offers gifts like mugs, books on meal planning, holiday cards and a number of other items.  They also provide self-care guides and a free monthly newsletter filled with tips for diabetics who want to maximize their health care.   

There are a number of ways to donate to the American Diabetes Association.  With twenty million children and adults with diabetes who need the services of the American Diabetes Association.  Of the monies donated, 34 percent goes to providing information to the diabetics, 23 percent goes to research and 21 percent goes to advocacy and public awareness.  Only 4 percent of the total monies donated go to administration.  It is also possible to donate to the American Diabetes Association Research Fund that provides 100 percent of the donated funds to diabetic research. 

The American Diabetes Association is considered the top organization for diabetics in the country.  It provides research that is nonjudgmental and information that helps diabetics live long and healthy lives in spite of their illness.