Sawasdee from Bangkok! The Children with Diabetes team is just returning from our travels across the globe, where we happily attended IDF 2025 in Thailand. With over 6,800 participants from more than 165 countries and territories, the conference was certainly one for the memory books. Over four days, we connected with global leaders in the diabetes field while attending scientific sessions, visiting the expansive exhibit hall, spending time reviewing e-posters, and so much more. So, grab a cup of Thai tea and join us as we recap IDF 2025.
The International Diabetes Federation World Diabetes Congress was held in Bangkok, Thailand, from April 7 to 10, 2025, at the BITEC conference center. The conference focused on enhancing global advocacy, improving diabetes care, and making a difference in the lives of people living with diabetes, particularly those in low and middle-income countries. IDF was founded 75 years ago in Amsterdam, and this year’s conference was the 27th edition of the World Diabetes Congress (held every three years).
The Congress allowed researchers, medical doctors, healthcare professionals, diabetes advocates, industry representatives, and policymakers from across the global diabetes community to come together to help shape the future of diabetes. We learned about the latest advancements in diabetes care and prevention, shared best practices, and collaborated towards innovative solutions in diabetes research, treatment, and management. The scientific sessions at IDF were divided into ten streams: Basic and Translational Science, Classification and Differential Management of Diabetes, Technology and Artificial Intelligence, Diabetes Complications, Type 1 Diabetes, Public Health and Policy, Education and Integrated Care, Epidemiology and Prevention of Diabetes, Women and Diabetes, and Living with Diabetes. The Congress offered a variety of pre-Congress sessions and Satellite symposia in addition to the scientific sessions offered during the week of the conference. Social events, coffee breaks, and evening get-togethers allowed attendees to continue networking after the traditional conference day ended.
The CWD team attended educational sessions during the conference about type 1 diabetes. We enjoyed learning more about early detection of type 1 diabetes, enhanced CGM usage by those newly diagnosed with type 1, and issues related to women’s health and diabetes. A full clinical recap of these educational sessions can be found here: IDF 2025: Global Perspectives on Diabetes. We loved attending sessions presented by several of our Friends for Life faculty members and sessions presented by our amazing colleagues and friends at EASD and ISPAD. The educational and scientific sessions were well attended, and important conversations about lessons learned continued beyond the scheduled session times.
During this year’s conference, the CWD team was honored to host a heartfelt luncheon titled Children with Diabetes: A Look Back at 2024 at the beautiful JW Marriott in Bangkok. This special gathering brought together members of our global community to reflect on a year of connection, education, and unwavering support for those living with type 1 diabetes. Throughout the lunch, attendees were given a deeper look into the heart of our organization—our mission to uplift, educate, and empower individuals and families affected by type 1 diabetes. We highlighted the impact of our 2024 initiatives, including our beloved Friends for Life conference series and the wide array of educational CWD Events that touched lives across the globe. One of the most moving moments of the luncheon was the introduction of the CWD Journey Awards—a tribute to strength, resilience, and the lifelong journey with diabetes. We were privileged to honor individuals who had marked significant milestones of living with type 1 diabetes for 10, 25, 50, and even 75 years. Their stories served as powerful reminders of the courage within our community and the importance of walking this path together. This luncheon was more than just a meal—it was a celebration of progress, a reflection on shared experiences, and a reaffirmation of our commitment to standing beside everyone impacted by type 1 diabetes every step of the way.
As we reflect on the incredible moments from IDF 2025, we’re reminded of the power of community, the importance of continued collaboration, and the unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those living with diabetes. The connections we’ve made, the lessons we’ve learned, and the inspiring individuals we’ve met will drive us forward as we continue our work at CWD. We leave Bangkok not just with memories but with renewed purpose and an even stronger sense of unity in our shared mission. We look forward to the future, knowing that together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
Green and Orange Forever,
Leigh
