Ep 02: ADA vs. ADS — Understanding the Battle Over Blood Sugar Balance

In this episode of the Balanced Blood Sugar Podcast, we’re diving into the differences between two major organizations that shape how we understand blood sugar health: the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American Diabetes Society (ADS). While the ADA has long been the go-to authority, its ties to pharmaceutical companies have led to a focus on managing symptoms with medication. On the other hand, the newer ADS is retraining healthcare professionals to look at the root causes of blood sugar imbalances — like inflammation — and empowering people to take control of their health through lifestyle changes. Tune in to learn why this matters to everyone, not just those with specific health concerns, and how you can navigate the conflicting advice out there!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

•The key differences between the ADA and the ADS and how their guidelines impact what’s being taught about blood sugar balance.
•Why blood sugar imbalances affect everyone and how addressing inflammation can improve overall health.
•How the ADS is teaching healthcare professionals to focus on lifestyle changes to balance blood sugar naturally.
•The influence of the ADA’s partnership with pharmaceutical companies and what that means for the information you receive.
•Practical tips for navigating conflicting advice and making small changes that support balanced blood sugar and wellness.

Resources Mentioned:

•UPDATED Grab Your FREE Get Started Guide!

If you’re ready to start improving your blood sugar control today, don’t forget to download my FREE guide: “Get Started Guide: Balancing Your Blood Sugar” Get your copy here.

•American Diabetes Association (ADA) – https://diabetes.org/about-us/supporting-partners
•American Diabetes Society (ADS) – https://www.americandiabetessociety.org/

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Balanced Blood Sugar Podcast for more tips and strategies to help you manage your blood sugar naturally.
• Follow us on social for more!
  Facebook Instagram

Thanks for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who might find it helpful. Let’s help more people balance their blood sugar and live healthier, happier lives!

Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, exercise, or medication. The content shared here reflects my personal experiences and research but should not replace individualized medical care.

Transcript

Welcome back to “The Balanced Blood Sugar Podcast!” In today’s episode, we’re diving into something that not a lot of people are talking about yet, but it’s really important: the difference between the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the new American Diabetes Society (ADS).

Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, what does this have to do with me?” But here’s the thing: both of these organizations have a huge influence over what’s being taught in terms of blood sugar health, diet, and lifestyle. And if you’re like most people, you want to make sure the advice you’re following is going to help you feel your best, right? Well, the challenge is that much of what’s being taught in major healthcare spaces right now, and in the past — especially about blood sugar — is regulated by the CDC and the ADA. And while they have their own place, there’s another side to the story, and that’s what the ADS is starting to reveal.

So what’s the Difference?

Let’s break it down. The ADA has been around for a long time, and they’ve set a lot of the standards we see today around blood sugar management and nutrition. Their guidelines influence everything from healthcare recommendations and standards of practice, to the guidelines for insurance coverage, and even to the products you see in stores. But here’s the problem: their advice is very much tied to the pharmaceutical industry. The ADA receives funding from big pharmaceutical companies, many of which manufacture insulin and other diabetic drugs, and a lot of what they teach is centered around managing symptoms rather than getting to the root cause.

This is where the ADS comes in. The American Diabetes Society is a newer organization, and they’re taking a different approach. Instead of just focusing on managing blood sugar levels with medication, the doctors that started this organization are teaching healthcare professionals about lifestyle changes to teach their patients that can help balance blood sugar naturally. The ADS is all about empowering people to take control of their health through diet, movement, and other lifestyle changes. They’re addressing the root causes of blood sugar imbalances, like inflammation, and focusing on overall wellness.

So, Why Does This Matter to You?

You might be thinking, “Okay, great, but how does this affect me?” Well, here’s why it matters: blood sugar imbalances aren’t just a concern for people with specific diagnoses. They affect energy levels, mood, brain health, and so much more, from your toddlers to your adults. In fact, it’s estimated that a huge number of people in the USA have blood sugar issues and don’t even realize it. When your blood sugar is out of balance, it can lead to inflammation in the entire body — and over time, this can contribute to a variety of health concerns like chronic illness and even increased levels of pain - like when you stub your toe for example.

What’s really exciting is that the ADS is retraining healthcare professionals to focus on addressing these imbalances through lifestyle changes. They’re teaching that it’s not just about managing symptoms with medication — it’s about taking control of your overall health through simple, sustainable changes that anyone can make.

The ADA’s Influence in Healthcare

Now, let’s talk about the ADA’s influence. The ADA’s guidelines have been deeply woven into the healthcare system. And while they’ve done some great work in raising awareness about blood sugar issues, there’s no denying that their close relationship with pharmaceutical companies has created some limitations. A lot of the advice out there tends to focus on managing blood sugar with medication rather than addressing what’s really causing those imbalances in the first place.

This can make it hard to find clear, unbiased information about what really works to balance your blood sugar. The good news is, more healthcare professionals are becoming aware of the pitfalls of the ADA and the newcomer, the ADS, and are beginning to incorporate their teachings into their practices (as hospital and clinic policies allow anyway). And that’s a big win for anyone looking to take control of their health in a more natural, holistic way.

I will say, the ADA and CDC do regulate the discussion of blood sugar very tightly. So practitioners that lean more towards the ADS style of management have to be very careful about the words they choose and how they teach their patients about balancing blood sugar. The good news is that balanced blood sugar and what it takes to get there is generally healthy for everyone! So we can teach the principles as general health advice and routine nutrition for everyone. Some may just see way more benefits from balancing blood sugar, than others. But learning these principles is fantastic for everyone, especially for those of us with children. Because we can use these principles to help set them up for a healthier future. 

How to Navigate Conflicting Advice

So how do you navigate all this conflicting advice? Here’s my take and what my mother and I did: focus on what makes sense for you and your family. Do your due diligence to research into the organizations and those funding their research to see which source is most trustworthy. How do they make their money? Who benefits from their guidelines the most?

Ultimately, the truth is that managing your blood sugar is about more than just what you eat. It’s about your overall lifestyle. Small changes in your diet, movement, and even how you handle stress can have a huge impact on how balanced you feel.

If you feel overwhelmed by all the different information out there, I encourage you to start with small, sustainable changes, and over time, you’ll start to see a difference in how you feel.

What You Can Do Today

As we wrap up today’s episode, I want to leave you with this thought: You have the power to take control of your health, no matter what anyone else tells you. Navigating through all the information out there about blood sugar balance can feel overwhelming, frustrating, and confusing, but you can do this! The ADS is starting to show us that there is a better way - one that focuses on the whole person, like my mom and I do, not just managing symptoms. By making simple shifts in how you eat, move, and manage stress, you’re already on the path to feeling more energized, more balanced, and more empowered.

Don’t forget, you don’t have to do this alone! I’m here to support you every step of the way, and I’m so excited to see where your journey takes you. Make sure to grab my free guide, “5 Easy Tips to Better Blood Sugar Control TODAY,” to get started with some easy wins that you can implement right now. Your health is in your hands - and You’ve got this!