The 18th conference of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) was held recently in Paris at the Palais de Congress.

It began on August 24 with a magnificent ceremony, opened with the symphony orchestra, `Medics' - an orchestra consisting only of doctors - playing Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.

The physician-musicians were followed by speakers including Dr. George Alberti, the outgoing President of the IDF and several members of the Association Fran?aise des Diab?tiques, the hosts of the conference.

They welcomed approximately 6,000 delegates and representatives from all around the globe. Over 18,000 people are expected to attend the conference in total.

Bermuda was well represented by Deborah Jones, the co-ordinator of the Bermuda Diabetes Centre and the new chair of the North American Region of IDF, Rachel Blakeney, the president of the Bermuda Diabetes Association (BDA), BDA former president Gordon Gibbons and Marva Phillips, a committee member from the association.

Each country in attendance hosted a booth with information about their local organisation and its role in Diabetes.

Bermuda's was credited with one of the more lively and interesting booths. Its four representatives greeted visitors in the Island's traditional Bermuda shorts and socks as well as pink polo shirts.

Visitors were also invited to enter a draw for a picture of Bermuda as they learned about the country.

Dr. Alberti gave an interesting talk on the history of Diabetes to open the conference - from its first recordings in North Africa - to today's advances in technology which include islet transplants, feedback systems, many new drugs, as well as Diabetes prevention programmes.

"Diabetes is now a huge problem and in the 21st Century can be described as a world pandemic," he said. "This comes at a huge cost with many of the economically disadvantaged not getting the treatment required."

Dr. Alberti said the future may be even more alarming, with ever-increasing numbers of Diabetes cases. At present the world figure stands at 189 million people with the disease, but by 2025, given current rates of increase, that is expected to grow to approximately 324 million - an increase of 72 percent.

If the rate of increase does not change, the world will not be able to afford to treat this growing disease, he said.

There are several reasons for the pandemic - some, like age, ethnicity, genes and family history cannot be changed.

But the main cause of the spike in numbers is attributed to lifestyle choices however, especially in urban areas where obesity is at its highest and usually coupled with poor diet and a lack of physical activity.

Speaking of obesity, Dr. Alberti said: "If you stand up and can not see your feet easily, go on a diet!"

"Prevention is the cure," he quoted from Erasmus. And he emphasised Diabetes control can be achieved by monitoring glucose and blood pressure levels.

He also explained IDF's prevention work which includes making insulin affordable and accessible worldwide.

On August 26, Bermuda's profile at the conference grew as Ms Jones's position as the chair of the North American Region of the IDF was confirmed.

She will hold this post for a minimum of three years and her vice-chair will be, Dr. Frank Vinicor, who heads the Diabetes Department at the Centres for Disease Contol in Atlanta.

After the historic meeting confirming Ms Jones' new role, the Bermuda Diabetes Association hosted a cocktail party for the delegates of the North American Region of IDF as well as representatives from pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer and Novo Nordisk.

Generous donations made by local distributors Goslings and Barritt's allowed the guests from all over the world to sample Bermuda's famous `Dark and Stormy' cocktails.

The following day, the General Council held the tri-annual meeting of the IDF to discuss matters such as changes in the constitution and the reviewing of the financial report, but also to elect the new executive board of IDF.

Martin Silink was voted in as the President-elect.

Overall, the conference was a great learning experience with lectures and activities, representation from various pharmaceuticals such as Medtronic (the makers of the `pump,' which is currently being used by 35 Bermudians) and Accu Check, who provide Bermuda testing supplies, as well as Lantis, a new and improved insulin brand, now being used more and more in Bermuda.

Diabetes is a serious and growing problem in Bermuda but through the determined efforts of Ms Jones and the other Bermuda representatives, our tiny island is finding its place on the world stage of Diabetes care.

This conference did not find the cure to the disease, but it did provide resources and educational materials to better manage it.