Health professionals, researchers, educators, policy makers and national diabetes associations from over 160 countries, will converge in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Congress 2017 (IDF 2017) from 4 to 8 December.

Taking place at the ADNEC convention center, IDF 2017 is the most significant global diabetes event, bringing together the diversity of the international diabetes community through its vibrant and comprehensive scientific programme, satellite symposia, exhibition and global village, showcasing the unity and commitment of IDF's global network.

Diabetes currently affects 425 million adults worldwide and is set to affect close to 700 million people by 20451. The disease is associated with a number of debilitating complications affecting the eyes, heart, kidneys, nerves and feet, and is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

The scientific programme of IDF 2017 consists of over 160 hours of sessions featuring 300 high-level speakers across nine streams, covering all areas of diabetes (Basic and Clinical Science, Science of Diabetic Complications, Diabetic Foot, Diabetes and Disasters, Diabetes in Society and Culture, Diabetes in Women and Children, Education and Integrated Care, Epidemiology and Public Health, Living with Diabetes).

IDF 2017 marks a welcome return to the UAE and the Middle East following the very successful IDF Congress held in Dubai in 2011. The prevalence of diabetes in the region is the second highest among all IDF regions and the number of people living with diabetes is expected to more than double by 20451. “With one in five people currently living with diabetes in UAE, Abu Dhabi is the perfect location to host the IDF Congress, bringing together our extensive global network to exchange knowledge and share best practice in diabetes education, treatment and prevention, helping to foster the collaborations, connections and innovations that are required to improve the lives of the more than 400 million adults currently living with diabetes and the many more at risk,” said Dr Shaukat Sadikot, President of IDF.

Building on the lessons learned from previous IDF Congresses, IDF 2017 features a series of improvements intended to maximise the experience for all participants. These include more e-presentations, shorter session formats and enhanced overflow capacities in every session hall. “It is our hope that the outcomes of the interaction at IDF 2017 will inform the further development of national, regional and global initiatives and strategies to improve the care, education, prevention and treatment of diabetes, resulting in lasting improvements to the health of the millions affected,” said Dr Monira Alarouj, Chair of the IDF Congress 2017 Organizing Committee.

IDF 2017 is organized in collaboration with the Emirates Diabetes Society and will feature high-level participation from the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) and other health organisations.

• View the IDF 2017 Scientific Programme
• Follow IDF 2017 on social media. The official hashtag is #IDF2017