WCPD 2008 Congress: The Time To Discuss The Prevention Of Diabetes Is Now

Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 25 Apr 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Diabetes, the rapidly growing global epidemic and a great challenge to contemporary public health, will gather specialists from 80 countries to join the 5th World Congress on Prevention of Diabetes and its Complications (WCPD 2008) in June 1-4, 2008 in Helsinki, Finland.

"We are excited about the great interest and participation from so many countries and continents", says Professor Pekka Puska, President of the Congress and President Elect of the World Heart Federation, WHF.

He points out that the diabetes pandemic has recently raised the issue high in public discussions and to the top of the political agenda. "Thus our congress, to discuss the prevention of diabetes and its complications, is extremely timely."

Besides providing a discussion forum, the scientific programme of the WCPD 2008 will publicize the latest diabetes studies by top scientists from all over the world.

To emphasize the importance of the issue, major global health organizations will be represented at a high level in the Congress. Professor Martin Silink, currently President of the International Diabetes Federation, IDF, and Dr Ala Alwan, Assistant Director-General of the World Health Organization, WHO, will be among the speakers.

Recent research has revealed the great potential for prevention, the importance of which is reorganized by the WHO and the United Nations (UN). IDF and WHF have for their part started to advocate a strong global work for the prevention of major chronic non-communicable diseases, like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

"It is increasingly understood how our lifestyle, particularly diet and physical activity, are in a crucial position in the prevention of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and many other chronic, non-communicable diseases. Consequently many international and national strategies have been developed. While experience is accumulating, it is clear that much more work is needed, especially for effective, practical action to set the wheels in motion", Pekka Puska notes.

The WCPD 2008 Congress will be organized by the National Public Health Institute, Finland and the Finnish Diabetes Association, and co-organized by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Finland.

Finnish Diabetes Association