Setting the agenda: Colette Marshall, Chief Executive, Diabetes UK, opened the conference by outlining the Diabetes UK strategy and reminding us how we support professionals and the 12 million people living with or at risk of diabetes.
Tackling inequity: From here, Professor Kamlesh Khunti, University of Leicester, and NHS England leaders set an equity-focused tone for the rest of the conference - calling out the need to confront persistent health inequities as a necessary step towards meaningful change and showing the power of national data to enable higher-quality, more equitable care, stating that "where you are born, what you earn and your ethnicity determines how long and how well you live". He challenged us to ensure innovations do not widen these inequalities.
Arnold Bloom Named Lecture: Professor Partha Kar delivered the prestigious Arnold Bloom Named Lecture, reflecting on a transformative decade driving system change at NHS England, embedding technology in type 1 diabetes care, and the people who were pivotal to helping make this journey happen.
Harry Keen Rank Nutrition Named Lecture: In the Harry Keen Rank Nutrition Named Lecture, Professor Claire Meek, University of Leicester, shared a groundbreaking body of research evidence that is redefining how we manage nutrition in diabetes in pregnancy to improve outcomes for mums and their babies. Claire talked about her research that’s pioneering our understanding of the causes and consequences of pregnancy and diabetes of all types. She also highlighted the importance of researchers – in Harry Keen’s words – “developing an experimental cast of mind.”
Tackling gestational diabetes stigma: New research from King’s College London revealed that more than half of women with gestational diabetes experience stigma, from healthcare professionals, family, friends, and wider society during pregnancy - and beyond. Researchers called for targeted anti-stigma interventions and structured emotional support for women with GDM.
FreeDM2 trial results: The FreeDM2 trial team addressed a key evidence gap. Results show CGM led to substantial improvements in glucose levels for people with type 2 diabetes using basal insulin. Presented alongside a health economic evaluation, the researchers say the findings support widening access for people with type 2.
The power of connection: Taking on a new, more interactive format, our Professional Interest Networks across footcare, basic and clinical research, eye health and early-career DSNs provided a fantastic space to contribute and get involved like never before. These sessions offered the perfect setting to share experiences and plan how to tackle our collective challenges together.
The DIAMOND trial: Researchers from the DIAMOND trial at University of Oxford outlined the evidence behind low-carbohydrate diets for people with type 2 diabetes, and how the trial is delivering high-quality UK evidence on the use of low-carb interventions for remission.
Driving UK science breakthroughs: Leading researchers from Edinburgh, London, and Exeter showcased the pivotal role of UK science in driving breakthroughs, from innovations in weight management in type 1 diabetes, to understanding the benefits of weight loss at a metabolic level, and advances from the 5-drug model to drive the new era of personalised type 2 treatments.
Championing the 4Ts: Over on the Diabetes UK stand John Story shared an inspiring message. He urged the passionate professionals here to build an army to champion the 4Ts and remind colleagues to "test, don't guess".
Integrating oral health: The link between oral health and diabetes runs both ways, yet it is still too often missing from joined‑up care. In session A2 – Oral health and diabetes: the forgotten two‑way street – a multidisciplinary team explored how to change that in practice. Chaired by John Grumitt, the session opened with two short role‑play scenarios from GP Stephen Lawrence and dentist Dr Dominika Antoniszczak, contrasting a broken GP–dentist referral pathway with a better one. Dr Zehra Yonel then reviewed the evidence on periodontal disease, glycaemic control and inequality, while dental hygienist Tara West highlighted where communication and care pathways break down. The session closed with IDEAL Diabetes’ free Smile Now! resources, building on Act Now! to support truly integrated dentistry and diabetes care. Click here to access these. IDEAL are also interested in working with professional groups to build awareness and improve outcomes for people living with diabetes.