Since its foundation in 1965, EASD has been organising an Annual Meeting, which has become the largest international annual conference on diabetes research worldwide. Although the Meetings have grown so dramatically, they are still driven by the academic traditions of the founding members. 

The Meeting 2016 joined physicians, scientists, nurses, laboratory workers and students involved in the research and study of diabetes, metabolism issues and related issues.

Chairpersons of oral presentations and poster sessions were chosen exclusively from the EASD membership. The abstracts were evaluated on a strictly anonymous basis and the selection was based exclusively on the quality of science. None of the speakers or chairpersons received an honorarium.

Assembled under the chairmanship of EASD Honorary Secretary, Per-Henrik Groop, the programm comprised six parallel tracs which included stimulating symposia, keynote lectures and clinical science.

In collaboration with IDF Europe, EASD organised the Associations` Village: to bring together international diabetes associations, societes and study groups. Each of them had an exhibition stand displaying its current activities and highlighting its work and practices. At the Associations` Village visitors had the opportunity to learn about diabetes in a variety of different countries, speak with colleagues und receive the latest information on diabetes research from all over Europe, and beyond.

More than 415 million people suffer from diabetes - and this figure is set to inrease. The diabetes epidemic is spreading rapidly also in Germany. Currently, about 6.7 million people suffer from the disease, 2 million of these are unaware they have the condition. More than 90% of people with diabetes in Germany have type 2 diabetes. Typically, it occurs in adults over the age of 50, though there are estimates that 1,600 children and young people already suffer from type 2 diabetes. Therapy often begins with a healthy eating plan and increased physical activity. as the illness progress, many patients also need oral medication and/or insulin.

Approximately 300,000 people in Germany (5%) have type 1 diabetes. This autoimmune disease can occur at any age, but is typically diagnosed in children and young people. Type 1 diabetes occurs independent of lifestyle and is always treated by insulin injections several times a day.

What makes the matter particularly difficult is that diabetes is often only diagnosed when serious health problems emerge which can massively restrict the quality of life. This is why prevention and early detection are so important. International research cooperation is decisive in the fight against diabetes. The EASD Annual Meeting 2016 not only presented science of the highest calibre, but also brought researchers and clinicians of the highest calibre together.

Autorin: Daiva I. Petrosiene