Diabetes in Less Resourced Settings

Meeting Summary

Welcome:
Dr. Anju Virmani welcomed attendees and emphasized that although less-resourced settings (LRS) represent nearly 70% of people with type 1 diabetes, less than 10% of research submissions come from these regions. This is due to numerous barriers including lack of mentorship, academic support, and resources. She thanked the ISPAD Executive for supporting this initiative, which aims to mentor members in improving abstracts for future ISPAD meetings (from 2026 onwards).

Abstract Guidance:
Dr. Tiago Jeronimo outlined common errors found in abstracts and presented a brief Abstract Guideline, which is shared herewith as an attachment.

Regional Challenges:
Dr. Adele highlighted the severe challenges of managing type 1 diabetes in LRS, citing her region where even supplies of Regular and NPH insulin are becoming scarce.

Policy Relevance:
Mr. Tinotenda Dzikiti stressed the importance of sharing data and challenges from under-represented regions such as Africa, in order to better inform global and local policymaking.

Mentorship & Collaboration:

Dr. Virmani reiterated the mentoring concept, encouraging members to share draft abstracts with mentors and peers for constructive feedback.

She invited participants to spread awareness of the initiative among other ISPAD colleagues, both virtually and during upcoming meetings (such as in Montreal).

Drafts can be shared by email with Dr. Yasmine Elhenawy, Dr. Anju Virmani, or Mr. Tinotenda Dzikiti, or alternatively via the WhatsApp group.

Dr. Jeronimo also suggested active use of the ISPAD Forum as an additional platform for collaboration.

Next Steps:
The meeting concluded with Dr. Virmani thanking all attendees and proposing that the next quarterly meeting be held on 10 December 2025.

Attachment: Abstract Guideline (prepared by Dr. Tiago Jeronimo)

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