The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. The Association's advocacy efforts include helping to combat discrimination against people with diabetes; advocating for the increase of federal funding for diabetes research, programs; and improved access to, and quality of healthcare for people with diabetes. The Association's mission is to prevent, cure diabetes and improve the lives of all people affected by this disease. Founded in 1940, the Association provides service to hundreds of communities across the country.