Welcome to the 25th Argentine Diabetes Congress

Abstract

It is a true honor to welcome you to the 25th Argentine Diabetes Congress, which we are holding this year in the city of Mar del Plata. Reaching this milestone invites us to look back with pride on the path we have traveled and to acknowledge the effort, dedication, and commitment of those who, over the years, have contributed to the growth and consolidation of our beloved Society.

This anniversary represents much more than just a number. It embodies a shared history, sustained advances in knowledge, a commitment to continuing education, and, fundamentally, a shared conviction: to improve the quality of life for people living with diabetes.

This year, the theme "Clinical Decisions in Times of Change" invites us to reflect on how to integrate innovation with clinical judgment, how to balance evidence with daily practice, and how to keep the person with diabetes at the center of it all.

In recent years, we have witnessed significant, evidence-based advances in therapeutics and technology that have transformed the way we approach this disease. The Congress Scientific Committee, coordinated by Dr. Gabriela Rovira and supported by an outstanding team, has prepared an innovative program featuring distinguished national and international speakers.

The Pre-Congress—aimed at both healthcare professionals and the general public—has been led by Dr. Adriana Roussos, the current Vice President, with the collaboration of the Atlantic Chapter and the local Mar del Plata committee. It also benefits from the support and participation of prominent members of the IDF SACA and ALAD, who will contribute valuable insights on key topics.

Once again, we will present the Dr. Bernardo Houssay Award to a Society member in recognition of their career in basic diabetes research; this year, the honor goes to Dr. Alicia Jawerbaum. Likewise, the Dr. Pedro Escudero Award will be presented to a distinguished member of the Society for their career in clinical research and patient care; on this occasion, the award will be given to Dr. León Litwak.

Grants will be awarded for research in Basic Sciences, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, along with a special grant focused on “Inflammation and Diabetes.” Prizes will be presented to the best papers submitted to the Congress in the basic and clinical research categories. The winners of these awards will be announced at the Closing Ceremony on Saturday, October 31.

We will hold a session with members of diabetes societies from across Latin America to discuss the challenges posed by the disease in different regions.

On this occasion, SAD Committees and Chapters will showcase their activities in a dedicated space, allowing us to share a moment of camaraderie. We will also host numerous symposia featuring the pharmaceutical and diabetes technology industries—presented in innovative and engaging formats—as well as practical workshops on various topics. Additionally, on Friday, October 30, we invite everyone to participate in the “SAD CORRE” (SAD Runs) fun run/walk to experience the well-being that comes from physical exercise.

I would like to extend special thanks to all the members of our beloved Argentine Diabetes Society (SAD), who are the fundamental pillars of this journey. I also wish to thank the entire SAD administrative staff, who have worked tirelessly to make this event possible, and offer a very special mention to the pharmaceutical industry; thanks to their unwavering support, we are able to host an unforgettable congress.

We extend a warm welcome to our speakers—national and international leaders—whose generosity and excellence elevate the stature of this congress and inspire us to keep moving forward. I invite you all to play an active role in this gathering: to share, to debate, and to envision the future of our Society together. May this 25th Congress be not only a celebration but also a renewed opportunity for us to continue growing as a community. Welcome to Mar del Plata!