Dear Members, Volunteers, Researchers, Clinicians, and Scientific Sessions Attendees, |
Many of you have heard about or witnessed an incident at the 2026 Scientific Sessions that, unfortunately, resulted in several attendees being escorted out of the meeting. |
We want to address the situation directly. |
The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) remains committed to being a nonpartisan organization that welcomes scientific inquiry, respectful dialogue, and diverse perspectives. Scientific Sessions has always been a place where ideas can be shared, debated, challenged, and advanced in the pursuit of better outcomes for people living with diabetes and obesity. |
Approximately a dozen attendees were distributing a Diabetes Care editorial, published in June 2026, both inside the ADA session rooms and in the lobby areas at our conference. Our longstanding organizational policy has been and remains that distribution of any materials must receive prior authorization and occur only within the exhibit hall. Approval was not obtained to distribute these materials prior to or at Scientific Sessions. |
They were asked to stop distributing the materials. Some individuals continued to distribute materials and were escorted out by security and police who were already on site as part of our planned conference security. Additional police were not contacted to respond, and security personnel followed their standard protocols. |
Importantly, these actions were taken because of the violation of conference policies regarding unauthorized distribution of materials—not because of the viewpoints expressed in those materials. Respecting editorial independence of this piece in an ADA-owned journal demonstrates the work we've done as an organization to ensure everyone's voice is heard. |
That said, we recognize that emotions are high for many attendees regarding these actions. We sincerely apologize that it escalated to a point that distracted from the science, collaboration, and community that bring us together each year. |
What is most important now is where we go from here. |
Every person involved in this situation, regardless of perspective, cares deeply about improving the lives of people living with diabetes and obesity. We may not always agree on every issue, every policy, or every approach. But our shared commitment to the people we serve is far greater than any disagreement that may arise among us. |
For 86 years, we have overcome challenges together, and we remain committed to working collaboratively to positively impact the lives of the people we serve. The challenges facing people with diabetes and obesity are too urgent and too significant for us to lose focus. Progress requires researchers, clinicians, advocates, volunteers, industry partners, policymakers, and patients to work together—even when we see things differently. |
We believe the cause is bigger than any one individual, any one organization, or any one moment. We remain committed to listening, learning, and engaging in respectful dialogue, regardless of viewpoints. In this vein, our intent is to meet with the parties involved after the conclusion of Scientific Sessions. We also remain committed to creating an environment where scientific exchange can occur safely, professionally, and respectfully for everyone. |
As we reflect on this incident, our hope is that we move forward together with grace, mutual respect, and a renewed focus on the people who depend on all of us. |
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our mission and for everything you do each day to continue the fight against diabetes and obesity. |
Together, we will continue this important work. |
Charles Henderson
American Diabetes Association, CEO Mark Atkinson, PhD
Scientific Sessions Planning Committee Chair |
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© American Diabetes Association. All rights reserved. 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202 | 1-800-342-2383 Learn more at professional.diabetes.org |
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