2021, Planning Resources, Scientific Sessions
  • Refer a colleague for a chance to win complimentary registration in 2022

    From now until June 29, the 81st Scientific Sessions registrant who refers the highest number of new colleagues to register for this year’s virtual meeting will win paid travel, lodging, and registration expenses for next year’s meeting.


  • 81st Scientific Sessions will feature five days of cutting-edge basic, translational, and clinical science

    81st Scientific Sessions will feature five days of cutting-edge basic, translational, and clinical science

    Advance registration is open to learn about the latest scientific achievements in the understanding of diabetes, as well as the management and care of the millions of people living with this disease. “Register today! Don’t wait,” says Dana Dabelea, MD, PhD, Chair of the 81st Scientific Sessions Meeting Planning Committee. Discounted pricing is available until…


  • Meeting highlights to add to your itinerary

    Hot topics at the 81st Scientific Sessions include major study results, diabetes and COVID-19, telehealth, and health equity.


  • Register now for the 81st Scientific Sessions before prices go up Friday

    Register now for the 81st Scientific Sessions before prices go up Friday

    The Virtual 81st Scientific Sessions, which will go live June 25–29, will feature hundreds of oral and poster presentations highlighting cutting-edge innovations in diabetes research, prevention, and care. Register now to take advantage of Early Bird pricing!


  • More than 12,500 diabetes professionals from 134 countries participated in first-ever virtual Scientific Sessions

    More than 12,500 diabetes professionals from 134 countries participated in first-ever virtual Scientific Sessions

    On Friday, April 3, the global COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic forced the American Diabetes Association to restructure the Scientific Sessions, its flagship professional event, from an in-person meeting to an all-virtual experience for the first time. With the support of more than 12,500 diabetes professionals who logged in from around the world, the Virtual 80th Scientific…


  • Health care disparities further exacerbated in minority populations with diabetes

    Health care disparities further exacerbated in minority populations with diabetes

    Being a minority person with diabetes doubles down on the health care disparities that vulnerable minority populations already face, according to an expert panel that examined disparities in diabetes and diabetes care during the Scientific Sessions. Ashley M. Butler, PhD, reviewed community- and family-based strategies to improve type 1 diabetes management among African American and…


  • Which diet is best for diabetes patients? Experts weigh in

    Which diet is best for diabetes patients? Experts weigh in

    While experts may not agree which diet is best for the treatment of diabetes and obesity, most agree that there’s no one-size-fits-all diet and that the optimal approach often involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, including diet, and medical therapies. Four distinguished clinicians and researchers, including Thomas Pieber, MD, analyzed four different diets and discussed…


  • Taxes on sugary drinks used to combat obesity, diabetes

    Taxes on sugary drinks used to combat obesity, diabetes

    Countries around the world—from the Americas to Europe to Southeast Asia and beyond—have instituted taxes aimed at curbing the consumption of sugary beverages as part of a larger effort to combat the negative health outcomes associated with high sugar consumption. A panel of health policy researchers, including Rafael Meza, PhD, reported on the effects of…


  • Precision medicine researchers discuss future directions in diabetes care

    Precision medicine researchers discuss future directions in diabetes care

    To date, precision medicine initiatives in diabetes have focused mostly on further understanding the disease, identifying disease-specific biomarkers, and using those biomarkers for diagnosis and to predict treatment response, according to Paul W. Franks, PhD. To take the next step to clinical implementation, future work must focus on patient engagement, clinician education, and regulatory approval,…


  • Nutrition experts debate merits, risks of low-carb diets in pediatric type 1 diabetes patients

    Nutrition experts debate merits, risks of low-carb diets in pediatric type 1 diabetes patients

    During a virtual debate at this year’s Scientific Sessions, pediatric endocrinologist Belinda S. Lennerz, MD, PhD, demonstrated the benefits of carbohydrate restriction in adolescents with type 1 diabetes, while Carmel E. Smart, RD, PhD, argued that patients can achieve comparable glycemic control with less restrictive diets and less risk.