The Association was founded by 26 physicians when it got underway seventy-five years ago. It remained an organization for
health care professionals during its first 30 years. In 1970, the Association welcomed general members. And in the years since,
it has grown to include a network of more than 1 million volunteers. Yet diabetes has proven a stubborn foe.
1940
Founders of the American Diabetes Association (Seated, left to right, Frederick W. Williams, M.D.; J. West Mitchell, M.D.; Edward Tolstoi, M.D.; Mrs. Charles F.
Bolduan; and George E. Anderson, M.D. Standing, left to right, Beverly Chew Smith, M.D.; George C. Thosteson, M.D.; Cecil Striker, M.D.; William S. Reveno,
M.D.; Paul F. Polentz, M.D.; C.B.F. Gibbs, M.D.; and Joseph T. Beardwood, Jr., M.D.)
1941
1945
Affiliates Recognized
Having started as a single organization of physicians focusing on diabetes, in 1945 the Association established a formal
process to recognize local lay organizations as American Diabetes Association Affiliates.
1948
Diabetes ForecastLaunched
Diabetes Forecast (originally titled ADA Forecast) was launched in 1948 as a quarterly publication, with the help of an
anonymous donation of $100,000 over 3 years. About 53,000 sample copies were distributed to physicians, pharmacists, and
clinics.
1949
1949
1949
In 2014, the Association hosted more than 5,400 children with diabetes at more than 50 sessions of camps in 24 states. A
survey of parents showed improvement for campers in knowledge of diabetes management, diabetes management behaviors,
confidence to manage diabetes, confidence to interact with peers and emotional well-being. Parents also reported that the
average A1C of campers dropped from 7.63% before camp to 7.05% following camp.
1950
1952
1952
1953
1965
1970
1979
1980
1987
1987
1987
1988
1988
1989
1989
1990
1991
1991
1991
1994
Diabetes.org Launched
Diabetes.org went live for the first time in August 1994 at the main office of the Texas Affiliate in Austin, TX. The first American
Diabetes Association website had been launched by the Oregon Affiliate, and immediately followed by one launched by the
Missouri Affiliate. Both the Oregon and Missouri sites were eventually abandoned when Diabetes.org was adopted as the web
site for the newly consolidated organization.
1995
1996
1996
1997
1997
1998
1998
1999
1999
2002
2002
2003
2003
2003
2008
2010
2011
2013
2013
2014
2014