American Diabetes Association Focuses On Health Disparities Deepened By Pandemic During 81st Scientific Sessions

WASHINGTON, June 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Diabetes Association^® (ADA) is highlighting the latest understanding of how to address health disparities laid bare by the pandemic at the virtual 81^st Scientific Sessions. Taking place June 25–29, the ADA's Scientific Sessions is world's largest scientific meeting focused on diabetes research, prevention, and care.

These expert discussions come at a time when 76% of Americans currently living in poverty are people of color. Diabetes prevalence is inversely related to household income level, with the poorest communities seeing the highest rates. Black Americans and Latinos are more than 50% likely to have diabetes than non-Hispanic white Americans and Black Americans with diabetes are more likely than white Americans with diabetes to receive care at lower-performing health care facilities.

"We can't improve the health of all Americans without first addressing health inequities in our health care system. It's crucial that we take a groundwater approach to solving these problems so that the solutions are both sustainable and effective. We have an obligation to dismantle these inequities and eliminate the devastating impact they have on families and communities," said Tracey D. Brown, CEO of the ADA. "I look forward to the discussion of the real problems AND the solutions during our Scientific Sessions to help share key learnings and set the groundwork for how we treat patients moving forward."

Topics ranging from the social determinants of health, to lessons learned during the pandemic of remote monitoring and the explosion in use of telehealth medicine among people with diabetes will be covered. Experts will also explore the racial disparities being seen in amputation outcomes. The following sessions highlighted are just a few of the many Health Equity sessions being presented.

In addition, the ADA will also host an exclusive press event on Monday, June 28 at 7:00 p.m. ET discussing the link between COVID-19 and diabetes. The event will feature initial results from two studies that were part of $1 million investment in research projects investigating the link between COVID-19 and diabetes. Learn more about the event or register. 

SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 8:00–10 a.m. ET
Symposium: Including Social Determinants of Health in Diabetes Care
Chair: Marshall Chin, MD, MPH

• Understanding and Addressing Food Insecurity in Diabetes Management
• Effects of Housing Insecurity
• Effects of Neighborhood and Built Environment
• Effects of Structural Violence

SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 4:30–6:30 p.m. ET
Symposium: Remote Monitoring and Use of Telehealth—Lessons Learned from a Pandemic    
Presenter: Lindsay S. Mayberry, PhD

• Can Remote Monitoring and Interventions Lessen Health Disparities in Diverse Ethnic/Racial Communities?

MONDAY, JUNE 28, 8:00–10:00 a.m. ET
Symposium: Surgical Considerations in Diabetes Foot Management
Presenter: Foluso Fakorede, MD

• Racial Disparities in Amputation Outcomes—Making the Difference

To attend the ADA's virtual 81^st Scientific Sessions, visit the official Registration Information page for more details. Members of the press should submit an application for press registration. Registration includes access to all sessions during the five-day meeting and unlimited access to all virtual content for 90 days following the meeting dates. Stay tuned for an exclusive ADA #HealthEquityNow event coming later this summer.

For more information or to request an interview, please contact the Scientific Sessions media team at [email protected].

About the ADA's Scientific Sessions
The ADA's 81^st Scientific Sessions, the world's largest scientific meeting focused on diabetes research, prevention, and care will be held virtually June 25–29. Leading physicians, scientists, and health care professionals from around the world will unveil cutting-edge research, treatment recommendations, and advances toward a cure for diabetes. Though the conference will be remote this year, attendees will receive exclusive access to nearly 2,000 original research presentations and take part in provocative and engaging exchanges with leading diabetes experts. Learn more and register at scientificsessions.diabetes.org and join the Scientific Sessions conversation on social media using #ADA2021.

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 condition. The 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).

Contact: Daisy Diaz, 703-253-4807, [email protected]

SOURCE American Diabetes Association

Related Links

http://www.diabetes.org