Join international diabetes experts for the latest in self-management

Healthcare professionals are encouraged to attend an international conference to increase their understanding of diabetes self-management techniques and treatments. 

The Diabetes Self-Management Alliance (DSMA) is organising an event to equip healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge to provide better care for people living with diabetes.  

The Alliance was formed in 2014 in Leicester and is an international collaboration between the Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC), The University of Galway, Steno Diabetes Centre Copenhagen, and the Diabetes Center Berne. 

The conference features a host of diabetes experts who are recognised internationally. Professor Melanie Davies, Co-Director of the LDC, will deliver the opening plenary reflecting on the experiences and learning from 20 years of the DESMOND programme*.  

Dr Marleen Kunneman from the Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands will also offer the conference a plenary on ’Making Care Fit.’  

Professor Sean Dinneen, of Galway University, and Matthew Garza from diaTribe Foundation, will close the first day of the conference with a debate about: ‘Doing our best together: How can we create the perfect balance between HCPs (healthcare professionals) & people with diabetes?’ 

Professor Davies said: “We are thrilled to host this year’s conference in Leicester, which offers an excellent opportunity for healthcare professionals who work with people living with diabetes to gain insights into the latest developments and advanced treatments to facilitate self-management of type 1 and 2 diabetes. There will also be a chance to engage with people with diabetes and learn about their personal experience with self-management.” 

Over the two days, attendees can also attend five interactive workshop sessions focusing on the following topics: 

  • Peer support for young people with type 2 diabetes 

  • Drawing diabetes experience: tools to facilitate collaborative decision-making in consultations 

  • Play-based communication and support - how to involve and empower young children with type 1 diabetes 

  • Diabetes distress - type 1 and type 2 

  • Structured education for people with a learning disability and type 2 diabetes 

  • Diabetes and work life - type 1 and type 2 

  • Psychological impact of diabetes technology 

  • Elderly diabetes care and end-of-life 

  • Stigma and diabetes self-management - type 1 and type 2 

The event will take place at College Court in Leicester on Thursday 29 February and Friday 1 March 2024. Registration is open now: www.dsma2024.org 

Alex Batchelor