Welcome Address
If we bear in mind that in the past twenty-five years the occurrence of diabetes in Austria, as well as in other Central European countries, has increased by two per cent to about six per cent, and if we also consider that the number of cases where the condition has not been diagnosed is high, we realise how important information and prevention is. Early recognition of this illness improves both life quality and life expectancy. Anyone who takes preventive steps at the right time can avoid irreparable consequential damage. Not only that, the possibilities of treatment are more efficient when the illness is recognised at an early stage. A particular challenge for doctors as well as for patients is diabetes in pregnancy.
I am therefore very grateful to Dr. Raimund Weitgasser who has succeeded in bringing a scientific symposium of high international renown entitled Diabetes and Pregnancy to Salzburg.
This symposium, which is particularly concerned with the occurrence of this illness in connection with pregnancy, will bring together about 1000 scientists in Salzburg where they will be able to engage in an animated exchange of information and experience.
I should like to express the wish that the participants in the symposium will gain much new knowledge which they will be able to apply in their everyday work. And of course I wish them a very pleasant stay in Salzburg.
Gabi Burgstaller
Governor of Salzburg