The 85th American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions, held this past week at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, proved to be a powerful convergence of science, innovation, identity, and advocacy. Thousands of health care professionals, researchers, policy leaders, and advocates from over 100 countries came together for what remains the world’s largest and most comprehensive diabetes conference.
From policy shifts and clinical advances to deeply personal reflections from individuals living with diabetes, this year's ADA sessions spotlighted a new era of diabetes care, one that integrates cutting-edge science with a whole-person approach.
The conference opened with a vibrant and heartfelt conversation between ADA CEO Charles Henderson and actor and diabetes advocate Anthony Anderson. The Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor shared his journey with type 2 diabetes, underscoring the critical role that research, prevention, and community support play in managing chronic illness. His story reminded attendees that inspiration and empowerment are as vital as innovation.
Spotlight on Teplizumab-mzwv and the Innovation Challenge
One of the most talked-about features of this year’s ADA conference was the Innovation Challenge, showcasing scientific breakthroughs poised to reshape the future of diabetes care. A standout among these was teplizumab-mzwv, a CD3-directed monoclonal antibody that delays the onset of Stage 3 type 1 diabetes (T1D) in adults and children aged 8 and above with Stage 2 T1D.
Teplizumab-mzwv’s clinical potential represents a monumental step forward in preventive diabetes care, marking one of the few interventions capable of altering the course of T1D progression. Its recognition during the Innovation Challenge sessions reinforced ADA’s growing focus on preventive care, early-stage intervention, and disease modification.
ADA’s First Standards of Care for Overweight and Obesity
Another milestone moment was the introduction of the ADA’s first-ever Standards of Care for Overweight and Obesity, with two chapters already released and more expected later this year. This move formally recognizes obesity as a chronic disease requiring structured, evidence-based management.
Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford highlighted the pervasiveness of weight stigma in health care settings. Up to 70% of clinicians and 55% of nurses show weight bias. Her powerful session on “Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity 2025 Updates” drew attention to the urgent need for training, empathy, and inclusion in weight management.
Dr. Louis Aronne explored modern pharmacotherapies for weight loss, and Dr. Jack Westfall stressed the importance of addressing obesity-related bias in primary care, where most diabetes care is delivered. His session highlighted a pilot training program to help clinicians shift from judgmental language to more compassionate and effective care.
Psychological Insights into Living with Diabetes
Saturday’s symposium, “Hiding in Plain Sight-The Need to Address Diabetes Identity in Order to Optimize Outcomes,” highlighted the emotional and psychological aspects of diabetes. Speakers, including Elise Van Laere, Deborah Wiebe, PhD, and Persis Commissariat, PhD, explored the concept of illness identity and how individuals incorporate diabetes into their sense of self. Their findings show a clear link between diabetes identity, emotional well-being, and self-management outcomes.
Dr. Rebecca Vitale, a clinician-researcher living with diabetes, emphasized the emotional journey of device acceptance. Dr. Korey Hood discussed the psychological toll of diabetes in advocacy and clinical practice. These sessions made clear that diabetes is not just a physiological condition but a lived experience that deserves holistic care.
STRIDE Trial: A New Frontier in Treating Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) with GLP-1 RA
The STRIDE trial, presented during the “Diabetes and Peripheral Artery Disease” session, offered groundbreaking data on the use of semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist in patients with type 2 diabetes and PAD.
Principal investigator Dr. Subodh Verma highlighted that semaglutide significantly improved walking distance, quality of life, and reduced major limb events. These results, recently published in The Lancet, introduced an entirely new therapeutic avenue for this high-risk population.
The First ADA Working Group Session on use of Technology in LTC
A noteworthy development at ADA 2025 was the first working group session focused on technology in long-term care (LTC). I had the privilege of leading this session along with several other experts with an interest in diabetes management in older adults. Experts like Dr. Medha Munshi, Dr. Naushira Pandya, and Dr. Ruth Weinstock examined barriers to implementing diabetes tech in LTC settings.
Key conclusions included the need for more real-world data and evidence to support reimbursement and policy changes that can integrate CGM and similar technologies into national guidelines. The group emphasized a collective call to action: align innovation with equitable access for vulnerable populations.
Emerging Science: From Stem Cells to Adjunctive Therapies
In a session moderated by Jeffrey Millman, a pioneer in the beta cell field, attendees explored the latest in stem cell manufacturing and engraftment strategies. The discussion identified three major challenges: quality control, cryopreservation, and the need to eliminate immunosuppression.
Millman’s panel unveiled new biomaterials and vascularization strategies that could redefine beta cell therapy in type 1 diabetes, a frontier that continues to draw massive interest.
On the adjunctive therapy front, Dr. Viral Shah presented the ADJUST T1D trial, which evaluated semaglutide in adults with type 1 diabetes. Over 26 weeks, the study revealed reductions in HbA1c, weight, and insulin requirements while improving time-in-range without increasing hypoglycemia. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the results offer strong support for including adjunctive therapies in ADA’s Standards of Care.
Exercise Still Relevant in the GLP-1 Era
In a passionate address, Dr. Tim Church reminded the audience that even in an era dominated by GLP-1s and high-tech devices, exercise remains one of the most powerful and cost-effective interventions. His session emphasized that physical activity enhances insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being, offering a universal prescription for all patients with diabetes.
Dr. Osagie Ebekozien, the ADA’s first Chief Quality Officer, delivered a striking keynote, declaring that the total annual cost of diabetes has reached $412 billion. Dr. Ebekozien stated, “We must design innovative solutions. Pilot them. Test them. Scale them. And support and sustain them.” His words served as a rallying cry for the entire diabetes community not to innovate but to implement.
The ADA 85th Scientific Sessions reminded us that science and humanity must walk hand-in-hand. From the molecular frontier to the lived experiences of those managing diabetes daily, the conference offered an unparalleled platform for change. One thing is clear, the future of diabetes care is bright — but only if we build it together.
Dr. Chalisa has no conflicts of interest to report.
Image by GoodStudio / Shutterstock
