The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and Abbott have launched a collaborative effort to deepen understanding of the nutritional needs faced by individuals living with diabetes, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction. This initiative aims to explore how nutrition formulas can play a pivotal role in managing these conditions and improving overall health outcomes.
In the United States, over 40% of adults are affected by obesity, while roughly 10% of Americans are living with diabetes, predominantly type 2 diabetes. Despite these significant health challenges, many individuals may be unaware of underlying nutritional deficiencies that can exacerbate their conditions. However, evidence suggests that proper nutritional support, including diabetes-specific formulas, can lead to better health outcomes and enhanced glycemic management.
Through this collaboration, the ADA intends to consolidate and review current scientific data to provide health care professionals with valuable insights into the nutritional needs tied to diabetes, obesity, and related metabolic issues. The goal is to emphasize how targeted nutritional interventions can significantly impact health management.
“By gaining a better grasp of nutritional needs, health care professionals can proactively address malnutrition in their patients,” said Charles “Chuck” Henderson, CEO of the ADA. “Our partnership with Abbott seeks to fill gaps in nutritional guidance for people with diabetes, aligning with the ADA’s mission to enhance the quality of life for those affected by the disease, while also supporting the newly established Obesity Association’s efforts to reduce obesity rates.”
This collaboration builds on a previous initiative launched last year by the ADA and Abbott, which focused on the benefits of diabetes technology such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. These tools assist people living with diabetes in making informed lifestyle decisions regarding diet and physical activity. The latest initiative extends support to individuals with obesity as well, broadening the scope of their shared mission.
As part of the partnership, Abbott will commit $1.6 million over the next three years to support the ADA in:
- Convening top healthcare experts to evaluate nutritional interventions for diabetes, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction.
- Collecting and synthesizing cutting-edge scientific evidence related to nutrition and its role in managing these conditions.
- Incorporating their findings into academic publications, ADA’s Scholar Program, and continuing education resources for health professionals.
“Both Abbott and the ADA are rooted in scientific research and are dedicated to improving public health,” said Joe Manning, executive vice president of Abbott’s nutrition business. “We are eager to collaborate with the ADA to equip healthcare providers with the nutritional tools and information they need to better serve individuals managing diabetes and obesity.”
This collaboration represents a commitment to addressing the nutritional challenges faced by millions of Americans, ensuring that healthcare professionals are armed with the latest insights to make a lasting impact on their patients’ health.
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