Preface
Diabetes has emerged as a significant threat to global health. According to the International Diabetes Federation’s Diabetes Atlas, close to 600 million adults are currently living with diabetes worldwide, a number projected to exceed 850 million within the next quarter century. The social and economic impact of the condition is profound, affecting millions of families and placing considerable pressure on healthcare systems worldwide. The highest diabetes burden falls on low and middle-income countries, where the economic impact hits individuals and their families hardest.
Over the past decade, advancements have been made in the management of diabetes, particularly with respect to type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its associated comorbidities. These developments have improved outcomes for people living with the condition and offer hope for some. However, tackling the rising prevalence of all types of diabetes and overcoming the significant inequities in access to care that exist present the global diabetes community with a critical challenge.
The recent scientific breakthroughs presented at the 2025 IDF World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, suggest we are poised to reshape the landscape of diabetes management. The emphasis is shifting firmly towards the need for prevention, early detection and intervention, and education to strengthen health systems, reduce the burden of diabetes, and provide support for self-care.
Considering this ongoing need, I am delighted to introduce “Highlights of IDF 2025,” a comprehensive publication that encapsulates the essence of the IDF World Diabetes Congress held from 7-10 April 2025 in Thailand. This publication features over 100 highlight articles based on carefully selected talks delivered by renowned experts from around the world. Our goal is to provide readers with an understanding of the scientific advancements and key topics presented at the conference.
Recognizing the demanding schedules of healthcare professionals, this publication provides concise summaries of the selected talks, enabling readers to quickly grasp key insights and updates from the conference. This approach ensures an efficient and effective learning experience.
We hope “Highlights of IDF 2025” finds a place in your personal library and proves to be an indispensable resource in your continued educational journey. Our efforts in compiling this book will be fulfilled if it serves to enhance your knowledge of diabetes management
Sincerely,
Peter Schwarz
President of the International Diabetes Federation