Dr. Robert Eckel Shares Priceless Diabetes Insights and ADA2020 Highlights (2020)

What truly sets Dr. Robert Eckel apart among the American Diabetes Association’s top experts? Beyond his 40 years of experience in endocrinology and cardiovascular health, Dr. Eckel has bravely lived with type 1 diabetes for over 60 years. Remarkably, two of his five children also manage T1D, giving him a deeply personal connection to the disease.

Currently serving as ADA’s President of Medicine & Science, Dr. Eckel’s unique perspective enriches his medical practice at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where he has dedicated four decades to patient care and research.

We recently spoke with Dr. Eckel following ADA’s first-ever virtual Scientific Sessions (#ADA2020) held in June, where he played a pivotal role in crafting the program.

Dr. Eckel on the Impact of ADA’s First Virtual Scientific Sessions

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected ADA’s operations worldwide. By March, ADA was already adapting its scientific and medical strategies, including budget and staffing adjustments.

Reflecting on the virtual event, Dr. Eckel praised its success, noting over 12,500 registrants—far exceeding the anticipated 10,000. Initially slow to gather momentum, registrations surged from 4,000 to over 12,000 in the final month. Attendees enjoy access to all presentations for 90 days post-event, offering unprecedented flexibility. Unlike traditional meetings where attendees must choose between simultaneous sessions, the virtual format allows revisiting content at one’s own pace—an innovation only possible online.

The Virtual Exhibit Hall Experience

While the virtual exhibit hall offered access to medications and devices, it lacked the spontaneous, in-person interactions of a physical event. Dr. Eckel emphasized that casual conversations and firsthand experiences in exhibit halls are irreplaceable by digital simulations, underscoring the value of face-to-face engagement.

Future of ADA Events Post-Pandemic

The pandemic has transformed communication and event formats. Virtual platforms like Zoom and Skype are now commonplace, enabling remote participation. However, Dr. Eckel acknowledges the irreplaceable value of in-person networking and live presentations.

Looking ahead, ADA is considering hybrid events—combining live attendance with virtual access. This approach could accommodate those unable or unwilling to travel, broadening global participation and accessibility.

Dr. Eckel’s Personal Journey with Diabetes

Diagnosed at age five in 1953, Dr. Eckel has no memory of life without diabetes. His early days were challenging, including hospitalization for diabetic ketoacidosis and painful blood testing methods that felt like "swords" compared to today’s gentle fingersticks.

Diabetes Management in the Early Days

Back then, diabetes control relied on crude urine glucose tests using Clinitest tablets, which were imprecise and sometimes hazardous due to chemical burns. Insulin therapy involved single daily injections of unpurified pork insulin, and glass syringes required boiling and careful handling.

Despite frequent hypoglycemia and limited resources, Dr. Eckel views those times with resilience, recognizing the valuable lessons learned.

How Diabetes Shaped His Medical Career

Driven by curiosity about illness and treatment, Dr. Eckel pursued bacteriology and ultimately endocrinology to align his career with his personal experience. While his research focus was on lipids and metabolism related to cardiovascular disease, his clinical work deeply impacted people living with diabetes.

Challenges During Medical Training

Medical school posed hurdles, including skepticism from faculty about his longevity. Without modern glucose monitoring, managing blood sugar during demanding rotations was difficult, leading to episodes of hypoglycemia and high glucose levels.

Lessons from Managing Diabetes Over Decades

These experiences taught Dr. Eckel the importance of self-management. He adopted insulin pumps in the 1990s and later continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), which revolutionized his diabetes control.

Family and Diabetes

Dr. Eckel’s late wife battled autoimmune thyroid disease, and two of their children developed T1D shortly after her passing. He notes the intriguing scientific observation that children of fathers with T1D have a higher incidence of the disease than those of mothers with T1D.

Words of Encouragement for People with Diabetes

Dr. Eckel emphasizes that diabetes is a lifelong journey, not just a disease. It demands constant attention and ownership, but with advances in care and technology, living well with diabetes is achievable. His story is a testament to resilience and hope for those navigating this path.

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