The 8th DASG Conference held on 14th & 15th January 2021, due to the extra ordinary situation of COVID-19, the conference was structured by virtual platform. It was a resounding success; it was attended by 1800 delegates from all over the world, and attracted young scientists as well as international figures.   The conference also hosted the general assembly of DASG. 

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide that affects over 422 million people in the world. Asian and Middle East countries in particular has experience a significant increase in the prevalence of diabetes, with and alarming numbers of people having the diabetes. 

Education of healthcare professionals is at the forefront on any disease management and emphasizes the importance of healthcare professionals having up-to-date knowledge about the newest research and clinical updates. The Eighth Biannual Meeting of Diabetes in Asia Study Group organized by two days event that has covered a blend of academic and clinical update in diabetes and diabetes management.

The conference was inaugurated and blessed by Prof. Akhtar Hussain, President of DASG and President Elect of IDF.  Dr. Andrew Boulton, President of IDF, supported the inaugural conference and the chairperson of the various regional committees of IDF and MENA Region attended the inaugural ceremony.

The conference was held at a critical time of the COVID pandemic when there is a rapid rise in the incidence of COVID & Diabetes in Asia and other countries. Dr. Abdulla Al Hamaq, Executive Director Qatar Diabetes Association – Qatar Foundation has delivered a lecture about “Challenges in Diabetes Prevention Program in DASG Countries” The alarming magnitude of the diabetes epidemic has made prevention of TD2M a top priority, based on the belief that preventing the disease will also prevent its short- and long-term consequences. Several well-known speakers gave the lectures about clinical trials worldwide have proven that diabetes can be prevented by intensive lifestyle interventions.

The conference also hosted the General Assembly of DASG. The executive board elected the following as members of the management committee.  Prof. Mesbah Kamel from Egypt was elected as the President, Dr. Banshi Saboo from India as Vice-President, Mr. Ashraf. PV from Qatar as Treasurer, and Dr. Bishwajit Bhowmik from Bangladesh as the Secretary General. Dr. Abdulla Al Hamaq from Qatar as a Board member in DASG.

The 8th DASG Conference held on 14th & 15th January 2021