Welcome Message | ISPAD President

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

It gives me great pleasure to invite you to our 36th Meeting of the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes which will take place in the City of Buenos Aires. This is the first time an ISPAD meeting is held in Latin America.

Almost 6% of the adult population - or more than 18 million people - suffer from diabetes in Latin America. Despite these alarming adult numbers it is important to put the spotlight on the most vulnerable population: the children which are affected with all forms of diabetes in increasing numbers as well. European data published in 2009 indicate if present trends continue, doubling of new cases of type 1 diabetes in children younger than 5 years is predicted between 2005 and 2020, and prevalent cases younger than 15 years will rise by 70%. Thus, adequate health-care resources to meet these children’s needs should be made available around the world.

“Progress in Pediatric Diabetes: from Vision to Reality” is the theme of this years congress. The evidence is growing that we are making significant advances in achieving better and better outcomes. The treatment options for young people with diabetes are better than they have ever been and visions of even superior approaches are at our fingertips. However, the reality is that too many children with diabetes have insufficient access to adequate care or adopt behaviors which, in the long term, will reduce their ability to lead healthy and productive lives.

Historically, Buenos Aires has been Argentina's main venue for liberal and free-trade ideas. Without doubt the “fair winds” giving the name to this town will be an ideal surrounding for our discussions on how to close the gap between our visions of a bright future for children with diabetes and the sometimes harsh realities of modern day health care.

We would like to highlight the fact that although all the speakers will present in English, there will be English/Spanish, simultaneous translation, which will enable the discussion and conclusions in both languages. It is a great opportunity for all Latin Americans to put forward their ideas to the international ISPAD family.

I look forward to meeting you in Buenos Aires and experiencing a most exciting and inspiring 36th Annual ISPAD meeting in the Argentinean tradition of hospitality, excellent food and drink, tango music and other cultural delights.

1st Announcement

The ISPAD 2010 1st Announcement is now available. This first publication contains the main facts about the meeting an can be accessed as downloadable PDF.