Welcome

Type II diabetes is a major, world-wide healthcare problem and the incidence is rising. In the USA alone 13.3 million people were diagnosed with diabetes in 2002, an increase of 5.8 million in a decade following an alarming trend beginning in the Eighties. People who have diabetes are at increased risk of developing serious life threatening complications, notably cardiovascular disease as well as experiencing morbidity which severely impairs the quality of life. These changes will be an increasing burden to governmental health economies. The growing incidence of type II diabetes has been attributed to the increased prevalence of obesity and sedentary habits in the western world. There remain however many gaps in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of this chronic metabolic disorder which have therefore impeded the response of the medical and scientific community to devise effective treatments.

Today we are honoured to have gathered together a truly international line up of experts in diabetes research. Many thanks go to them for making time in busy schedules to be with us. We look forward to being brought up to date with current understanding of molecular pathology of diabetes and of hearing progress towards bringing much needed novel therapeutics to the patient.

We hope you enjoy your day