ISPAD Declaration of Lisbon 2024
Advancing the Legacy: ISPAD Declarations of Kos and Lisbon
On the occasion of its 50th Annual Meeting in October 2024, held in Lisbon, Portugal, the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) proudly reaffirms its commitment to the timeless principles of the Hippocratic Oath. This milestone gathering celebrates half a century of dedication to improving the lives of children, adolescents, and young adults living with diabetes worldwide.
The Declaration of Kos (1995): A Historic Commitment
ISPAD’s journey began with the Declaration of Kos, crafted in 1995. This foundational document outlined a shared vision for diabetes care and support, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to healthcare, education, and resources for young individuals living with diabetes. It underscored the essential role of healthcare providers in promoting not just medical well-being but also the social and emotional welfare of those they serve.
Read the full Declaration of Kos here
The Declaration of Lisbon (2024): Building on a Legacy
As we look to the future, ISPAD introduces the Declaration of Lisbon, an updated commitment that reflects the evolving landscape of diabetes care. This new declaration expands upon the principles established in Kos, focusing on promoting optimal health, social inclusion, and a better quality of life for young people with diabetes across the globe.
By adapting to contemporary challenges and advances, the Declaration of Lisbon emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts, innovative treatments, and advocacy for equitable healthcare systems. It renews ISPAD’s dedication to ensuring that no child or adolescent with diabetes is left behind.
Read the full Declaration of Lisbon here
Monthly Spotlight: Exploring the Declaration of Lisbon
To ensure the principles of the Declaration of Lisbon remain at the forefront of our work, every ISPAD monthly newsletter will spotlight a specific point from the declaration. This initiative will provide insights, updates, and actionable steps for members to incorporate these principles into practice.
For the inaugural feature, ISPAD President Fergus Cameron addresses the first principle, offering his perspective on its significance and implementation.
1. To advance precision diagnosis for all children in all stages of diabetes
Changing environments and demographics, scientific knowledge and technologies over the last 30 years have resulted in new types of diabetes being diagnosed in young people (eg type 2 diabetes and monogenic diabetes) and a recognition that type 1 diabetes is not a uniform condition in terms of immunopathogenesis or metabolic stability (eg stage 1-3 T1D, very early onset vs later onset). Suffice it to say, the suite of diagnostic possibilities and associated therapies has broadened significantly. It is axiomatic that as clinicians we wish to provide the most accurate diagnosis possible to those we provide care. A key example of this is the rare but significant moment that we can tell families of a diagnosis of monogenic diabetes. Such a diagnosis impacts upon both our patients and frequently their extended family. In another vein, national screening programs for type 1 diabetes will require that we can accurately stage the condition for purposes of disease modification trials and other potential interventions. Having differential diagnostic awareness, and access to genetic and antibody screening are key enablers in this area. Personalised long term treatment requires that we have diagnostic certainty rather than just diagnostic suspicion. Precision diagnosis is thus a fundamental foundation of appropriate therapy.
Fergus Cameron - ISPAD President
A Milestone and a Movement
The 50th Annual Meeting provided a unique opportunity to honor the visionaries who laid the foundation of pediatric diabetes care and to advocate for renewed priorities for young individuals with diabetes. With the Declaration of Lisbon, ISPAD continues to lead efforts in improving care and outcomes for the next generation.
Join us in celebrating this historic moment and in advancing our shared mission to create a world where children and adolescents with diabetes can thrive.
