SEVERAL Jamaican researchers are set to deliver findings on how the novel coronavirus has impacted diabetic people, at the 27th Annual International Diabetes Conference on April 21-22, 2022.

The conference, organised by the University Diabetes Outreach Programme (UDOP), will be hosted under the theme ‘Diabetes and COVID-19: Victor or Victim?’, and will feature presentations from renowned medical researchers and diabetes care practitioners, through seven scientific sessions, over the two days of the conference.

Professor Errol Morrsion, co-chair of UDOP’s organising committee, said this year’s theme is enveloped in the ongoing pandemic and seeks to address the question as to how diabetics have fared, well knowing that the dreaded COVID-19 virus is feared by all.

“Diabetic persons are already under siege and the pandemic has doubled that buffeting… hence, let’s see how diabetes has managed to be contained both in monitoring and suffering. Let us examine how the extra precautions taken to ensure adequate drug and equipment supplies, as well as best efforts to follow the management regime, have panned out,” he said.

Professor Morrison added: “Where is long COVID in all this, especially where diabetes complications are concerned? Has COVID increased the incidence of diabetes, type-1 diabetes, and how has it affected the symptoms of type-2 diabetes? We come together to look at all these interfaces and their outcomes, and trust the two days of deliberation will highlight the best practices which have helped to lighten the burden of the diabetic population during this pandemic — both in terms of prevention and wellness versus deterioration and death.”

The conference which will be fully online will see presenters like Professor Alverston Bailey (University of Technology, Jamaica); Professor Simeon Taylor (University of Maryland); Professor Michael Boyne (The University of the West Indies); Professor Albert Reece (University of Maryland); and Professor Peter Figueroa (The University of the West Indies).

The agenda will explore several established and emerging sub-themes including: COVID-19 and Diabetes — dealing with the “Double Trouble” ; COVID-19 and the Metabolic Syndrome — challenges and opportunities; The Epidemiology and Pathophysiology of COVID–19; Pregnancy, Diabetes and COVID-19 — a dangerous triumvirate?; Challenges of Routine Diabetes Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic; and a panel discussion focusing on Mandatory Vaccines — unjustifiable or proportionate?

Individuals wishing to participate may register at jotform.com/app/udopconference/registration-app