The 2024 Australasian Diabetes Congress (ADC) is underway, with over one thousand delegates from across the region gathering in Perth.

The three-day conference is hosted by Diabetes Australia’s unifying partners Australian Diabetes Society and Australian Diabetes Educators Association and is taking place from 21 to 23 August.

Speaking at the Congress, Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said the voice of the diabetes community had never been stronger as, together, we continue the work that’s needed to improve the lives of people living with diabetes.

The program includes eminent researchers and diabetes educators, sharing the latest breakthroughs in research, education and care in diabetes.

From 2013 to 2023, the total number of Australians known to be living with all types of diabetes rose by 32%.

In Western Australia, where this year’s ADC is being held, there are now more than 140,000 people living with all types of diabetes, and more than 122,000 West Australians are living with type 2 diabetes.

Innovative solutions to enhance prevention and management strategies, including targeted investments in research, are needed to stem the tide of this epidemic.

Events like ADC support people living with diabetes, diabetes researchers and health professionals in this work.

During the Congress, Diabetes Australia is sponsoring travel scholarships to support Congress participants to also attend the 2025 International Diabetes Federation World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok. Ten scholarships are available to help broaden the knowledge of frontline health workers and researchers, support their education and grow the global diabetes network.