Why I Attend ADA Events by Michael Donohoe

Why I Attend American Diabetes Association Events: Building Knowledge, Connection, Influence & Community

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is hosting a variety of signature events throughout November 2025, including many presentations on the “State of Diabetes” and other signature events. ​These events offer opportunities for professionals to gain education and for individuals with diabetes to connect and learn.


Why I Attend ADA Events Every Year

As someone who has lived with type 2 diabetes for nearly three decades, I’ve learned that knowledge and connection are two of the most powerful tools we have. In 2025, I joined the ADA as a professional in the role of Community Health Worker.

That’s why I always look forward to the American Diabetes Association’s signature events, including those hosted by Upstate New York ADA—such as the Tour de Cure, Camp Aspire Luncheon, and Advocacy Events in Albany. We’ve also had the privilege of attending the past two ADA Scientific Sessions in Orlando and Chicago. These gatherings, along with the State of Diabetes series [shameless plug, again], bring together healthcare professionals, advocates, and individuals living with diabetes from diverse backgrounds.

They’re not just about learning; they’re about listening, sharing, and building a stronger, more compassionate community for people with diabetes.

For me, attending these events is about staying informed and connected to the evolving world of diabetes care and advocacy. Conversation reinforces that progress doesn’t happen in isolation—it comes from collaboration between patients, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers.

By showing up, I not only learn from the experts but also bring my own lived experience to help shape more meaningful, inclusive solutions, whether it’s sharing insights on patient challenges, exploring new therapies, or connecting with others who understand the daily realities of diabetes. These events recharge my motivation and strengthen my voice as an advocate.

Every session, every handshake, and every shared story moves us one step closer to a future where diabetes care is more equitable and effective.


Opportunities for Healthcare Professionals

Attending ADA events is crucial for diabetes professionals for several reasons:

Continuing Education: ​Professionals can earn Continuing Education (CE) credits at ADA professional meetings and conferences. ​These opportunities provide cutting-edge diabetes education to enhance knowledge and optimize patient care.

Access to Advancements: Events like the Scientific Sessions provide professionals with the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in diabetes care, research, and treatment from leading experts.

Professional Development: The ADA provides ongoing training at every level, including accredited continuing education programs for healthcare providers. ​They also offer year-round education through on-demand meeting content and free online CE opportunities.

Program Recognition: ​Professionals can search for recognized programs certified by the ADA’s Education Recognition Program (ERP), which ensures quality education in diabetes care.


Benefits for Individuals Living with Diabetes

These events are also beneficial for individuals living with diabetes, and I participate in all of these:

Community Connection: Signature events offer opportunities to connect with the community and raise awareness about diabetes.

Fundraising and Support: Participating in events like the Tour de Cure helps support fundraising efforts to combat diabetes and provides a valuable support network. ​Over $200 million has been raised through such events to combat diabetes over the past 20 years.

Educational Resources: The ADA offers a comprehensive collection of resources to promote diabetes awareness and education, as well as support advocacy efforts.

Advocacy: [This is my favorite.] Attending events enables individuals to participate in grassroots advocacy efforts, which contribute to the ADA’s mission as a leading voluntary health organization working to end the diabetes epidemic.

Lifestyle Change Programs: [This is my second favorite.] The National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a lifestyle change program, has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% (and 71% in individuals aged 60 and older) through healthy eating and increased physical activity. ​Research indicates that CDC-recognized lifestyle change programs can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by more than half.

Read the schedule below. If you would like to get in touch with the American Diabetes Association, below is their contact information:

Call, Email, Chat: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM ET

Center for Information | askada@diabetes.org | 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383)

See you tomorrow, and I look forward to your comments. ~msd


ADA Event Schedule: November 2025

Specific events mentioned below R ISTER for the following events at the ADA Website:

November 2–8, 2025

Plano, TX — Multiple events, including “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “The Dingdong, or Take Me, I’m Yours!”, are scheduled at 12:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 8:00 PM, all times CST.


November 3, 2025

COMPLETE | Raleigh-Durham, NC — 2025 State of Diabetes: Raleigh-Durham, starting at 11:00 AM EST


November 6, 2025

Charlotte, NC — 2025 State of Diabetes: Charlotte, starting at 9:00 AM EST

San Antonio, TX — 2025 State of Diabetes: San Antonio, starting at 8:30 AM CST

San Diego, CA — 2025 State of Diabetes: San Diego, beginning at 8:30 AM PST

Virtual Live Cooking Class: Holiday Potato Side Dishes, Three Ways, starting at 7:00 PM EST


November 8, 2025

Philadelphia, PA — 2025 Step Out® Walk: Philadelphia, starting at 9:30 AM EST

Hattiesburg, MS — American Heart Association’s Annual Pine Belt Heart Walk, starting at 10:00 AM EST.


November 11, 2025

Virtual – Ask the Experts: What’s on the Menu: Nutrition Strategies for Obesity Care, starting at 2:00 PM EST.


November 12, 2025

New Orleans, LA — 2025 State of Diabetes: New Orleans, starting at 8:30 AM CST

Twin Cities, MN — 2025 State of Diabetes: Twin Cities, starting at 9:00 AM CST


November 13, 2025

Pittsburgh, PA — 2025 State of Diabetes: Pittsburgh, starting at 8:00 AM EST

Tampa, FL — 2025 State of Diabetes: Tampa, starting at 88:00 AMST

Boston, MA — 2025 State of Diabetes: Boston, starting at 1111:00 AMT

Chicago, IL — 2025 State of Diabetes: Chicago, starting at 8:08:00 AM

Birmingham, AL — 2025 State of Diabetes: Birmingham, starting at 11:00 AM CST

Seattle, WA — 2025 State of Diabetes: Puget Sound, starting at 8:00 8:00 AM


November 14, 2025 | World Diabetes Day

Atlanta, GA — 2025 State of Diabetes: Atlanta, starting at 9:00 A9:00 AM

Cupertino, CA 2025 State of Diabetes: Northern California, starting 8:30 A8:30 AM

Honolulu, HI 2025 State of Diabetes: Hawaii, starting 8:30 A8:30 AM

Buffalo, NY — 2025 State of Diabetes: Buffalo, starting at 8:00 A8:00 AM

Nashville, TN — 2025 State of Diabetes: Nashville, starting at 8:30 A8:30 AM

Camden, NY — 2025 State of Diabetes: South Jersey, starting at 8:30 A8:30 AM

Richmond, VA — 2025 State of Diabetes: Richmond, starting at 9:00 A9:00 AM

Dallas, TX — 2025 State of Diabetes: Dallas, starting at 8:00 A8:00 AM

Phoenix, AZ — 2025 State of Diabetes: Phoenix, starting at 9:00 A9:00 AM

Denver, CO — 2025 State of Diabetes: Denver, starting at 8:30 A8:30 AM

Portland, OR — 2025 State of Diabetes: Portland, starting at 8:00 A8:00 AM

Cupertino, CA — 2025 State of Diabetes: Northern California, starting at 8:30 A8:30 AM

Atlanta, GA — 2025 State of Diabetes: Atlanta, starting at 9:00 A9:00 AM


November 15, 2025

Washington, DC — 2025 State of Diabetes: Washington, DC, starting at 9:30 A9:30 AM

Calverton, MD — 2025 State of Diabetes: Washington, D.C., starting 9:30 AM EST

Houston, TX — 2025 Step Out® Walk: Houston, starting 8:30 A8:30 AM


November 18, 2025

Philadelphia, PA — 2025 State of Diabetes: Philadelphia, starting 8:30 A8:30 AM


November 19, 2025

Orlando, FL — 2025 State of Diabetes: Orlando, starting 8:00 A8:00 AM

Indianapolis, IN — 2025 State of Diabetes: Indiana, starting 8:30 A8:30 AM


November 21, 2025

New York, NY — 2025 State of Diabetes: New York, starting 8:30 A8:30 AM

Baltimore, MD — 2025 State of Diabetes: Baltimore, starting 9:30 A9:30 AM

Houston, TX— 2025 State of Diabetes: Houston, starting 8:30 A8:30 AM

Los Angeles, CA — 2025 State of Diabetes: Southern California, starting 8:30 A8:30 AM


Final Thought: Show Up for #Progress and #Equity

DiabetesAwareness #ADAEvents #StateOfDiabetes #DiabetesAdvocacy #DiabetesEducation #Type2Diabetes #PatientAdvocacy #HealthEquity #CommunityHealth #WorldDiabetesDay

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