Welcome Note

Dear Colleague and Friend,

We take great pleasure to invite you to attend the 5th International Symposium on Diabetes and Pregnancy, taking place March 26 – 28, 2009 in Sorrento, Italy.

The faculty consists of renowned professionals and high-quality practitioners, who will present based on evidence as well as clinical experience.

The field of diabetes and pregnancy has come of age. From the conception of the terminology ‘gestational diabetes’ and ‘diabetes in pregnancy’ to the creation of an entire subspecialty, this symposium documents the ‘gestation’ of the field. 

This symposium not only documents the past 80 years of progress in the field of diabetes and pregnancy, but also presents the most up-to-date tools, techniques and management protocols to ensure the optimal outcome of pregnancies complicated by diabetes. In addition, the areas that remain controversial will be discussed in detail to enable participants to come to an opinion while waiting for the evidence to validate many of the expert opinions presented.

The most controversial topic today in the field of diabetes and pregnancy is in the area of screening and diagnosis. Here the evidence from the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) Study, and the justification for a multi-national, multi-center clinical trial results to elucidate the optimal methods for screening and diagnosis, will be presented.

The latest theories and literature on the immunology of Type 1 diabetes will also be included, giving us hope that the near future holds the answers to prevention of this disease. Until there is a cure for diabetes, we must continually take on the burden of astutely diagnosing diabetes and treating all pregnant women who are at risk of an untoward outcome of pregnancy.

In addition, this symposium provides answers for the clinician to help her/him to deliver optimal care of all pregnancies complicated by diabetes while we wait for the cure.

Sorrento stands on a terrace rising steeply above the sea on one of the most spectacular points of the Campanian coast. It’s enchanting position and mild climate, sheltered by the surrounding hills, has made Sorrento a favourite resort since Romans times.

We look forward to your participation and hope you will contribute to the scientific program by submitting abstracts for poster presentation.

With best wishes and hoping to see you in Sorrento!