Our team was proud to take part in this year’s congress, presenting key sessions, participating in panels and exploring the latest developments in the world of diabetes.
The Australasian Diabetes Congress (ADC) was held in Perth this year, offering an invaluable opportunity for the Diabetes WA team to engage with world-class researchers and clinicians at the forefront of diabetes management. The conference not only provided a platform for learning but also allowed Diabetes WA to showcase the groundbreaking work happening in Western Australia.
Throughout the congress, Diabetes WA’s educators and clinicians actively participated in sessions, presenting their own innovative research and approaches to diabetes care.
Key moments included:
Saturday 10 August:
Jessica Weiss represented Diabetes WA during the Virtual Roche Educators Day with her presentation on Diabetes at a Distance.
Wednesday 20 August:
Linda Bradbury spoke at the Roche Dinner Education Meeting, sharing her insights on Dietary Considerations in GDM Populations.
Thursday 22 August:
The Diabetes WA team partnered with Dr. Melanie Burkhart from Fiona Stanley and Royal Perth Hospitals to run a masterclass on Conversations for Behaviour Change.
- Jessica presented a poster on Barriers and Solutions to Optimal Diabetes Foot Care in Western Australia.
- Jessica also worked with Tara Stevens to deliver an oral presentation on Distance is No Barrier for a Virtual Gestational Diabetes Education and Support Service.
- The day concluded with an exploration of the Integrated Diabetes Care model and the unveiling of the Robust Service Development Model for community insulin pump services, led by Jessica and Deborah Schofield.
Friday 23 August:
Priscilla Lee served on a panel during a Private Practice Masterclass, offering insights for diabetes educators.
Beyond the presentations, the Diabetes WA team explored cutting-edge technology, research, and treatments in the exhibition hall, interacting with industry leaders and showcasing their own promotional materials.
Some inspiring highlights included presentations by international speakers. Dr. Chantal Mathieu from Belgium kicked off the congress with hope and motivation for the future, talking about how new research may transform the future of type 1 diabetes management, treatment, and prevention. Dr. Daphne Gardner from Singapore spoke about the latest treatments and advances for less common types of diabetes, including monogenic diabetes (MODY), and highlighted the importance of personalising therapy.
From here, the congress showcased the huge variety of research, technology, and advancements in treatment for all types of diabetes. The team learned about the links between diabetes and pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, and hepatic disease; we heard about pump therapy considerations and physical activity; and examined how to assess competencies for diabetes educators.
We browsed the huge variety of trade stalls, meeting the companies delivering the latest diabetes technologies, medications, services, and research. Our own new-look Diabetes WA stand proved very popular, partly because of our fantastic new merchandise (lip balms and glasses cleaners), but mainly because of our friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Amid the excitement of new developments, attendees were reminded of the challenges ahead, particularly in treating early-onset type 2 diabetes and the need for better integration of national programs like Baby Steps. Mrs. Sian Graham, a senior research officer from the Menzies School of Health Research, shared her family’s experience as Aboriginal women living with gestational diabetes, delivering a powerful message about the ongoing intergenerational impact of the condition.
The congress concluded on a high note, with Sheryl Moore winning the Dietitians Research Award—a testament to the exceptional work being done by Diabetes WA.
