Global diabetes leaders will gather in Melbourne in August for the combined International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region (IDF-WPR) Congress, Australasian Diabetes Congress, and Metabolic Diseases 2026.
The congress agenda will span research, clinical care, education, policy and lived experience.
Hosted by the Australian Diabetes Society (ADS) and the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) together with Diabetes Australia, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Congress will bring together leading experts from across Australia, the Western Pacific, and internationally.
Featuring an extensive international speaker line-up, the Congress will explore the latest advances in diabetes and metabolic disease, including prevention, treatment innovation, technology, health systems and models of care.
the Congress will explore the latest advances in diabetes and metabolic disease, including prevention, treatment innovation, technology, health systems and models of care
Exploring Challenges and Opportunities
Dedicated regional symposia and collaborative sessions will highlight shared challenges and opportunities across diverse health systems throughout Asia and the Western Pacific.
Focusing on evidence-based care, the Congress will examine regional challenges to diabetes, including integrated care models in a region with an alarming increase in diagnoses.
With many near-neighbour countries across the Pacific and Asia facing significant challenges in managing the diabetes burden that they are facing, implementing integrated care models can assist the health system to provide effective and efficient management of diabetes and its complications.
The Congress will also examine the latest developments in technology, including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, and the case for equitable and affordable access to insulin pumps for people with type 1 diabetes.
Research, Lived Experience and Education
In research, a focus on diverse perspectives from Australian and international experts will discuss the latest in diabetes and wider metabolic disease advancement and consider how to address one of the most pressing health challenges facing the region.
Importantly, there will be a clear focus on lived experience, with a dedicated community day for people living with diabetes, and a Congress stream dedicated to focusing on lived experience, ensuring the perspectives of people living with diabetes are integrated alongside scientific, clinical and policy discussions.
The Congress will showcase the critical role of diabetes education in improving outcomes for people living with diabetes and their carers, friends, and family.
Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDEs) and other health professionals working in diabetes education, research, and care play a key leadership role in helping people navigate increasingly complex treatment options, technologies, and care pathways while empowering them to successfully self-manage their condition.
By bringing together leading experts, emerging research and lived experience, the Congress provides a unique opportunity for learning, collaboration and the exchange of ideas that can help shape the future of diabetes care across our region.
Find out more and register at diabetescongress2026.com.
