Summit
1Min
South Africa
Nov 11, 2025
The momentum is palpable following the outcomes of previous discussions, which have laid a strong foundation for future advancements, and this year’s edition is poised to take critical steps in exploring how innovation, technology, and partnerships can expedite progress towards national diabetes targets.
Scores of healthcare workers, researchers, and innovators are expected to gather for the 2025 Diabetes Summit set to bring together over 300 influential leaders in health and policy to tackle diabetes head-on.
Convened under the compelling theme “Innovate for Impact: Transforming the Future of Diabetes in South Africa,” this flagship event will take place from 11 November to 13 November at the OR Tambo International Airport’s Radisson Blu Hotel.
Organised by the Diabetes Alliance, the summit seeks to unite health professionals, researchers, government leaders, and advocates in a concerted effort to advance action against diabetes—a condition responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in South Africa.
The challenges posed by this disease necessitate unified efforts to ensure access to the latest treatments and care strategies.
“The past decade has brought remarkable advances in diabetes treatment and care,” says Chairperson of the Diabetes Alliance and Convenor of the Summit.
“Newer classes of medicines, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, not only lower blood glucose but also reduce the risk of heart disease, kidney failure, and premature death. Our challenge now is to ensure that these innovations reach all South Africans who need them,” he says.
The three-day event is structured to engage attendees through expert panels, keynote lectures, workshops, and an anticipated “Big Debate,” which will focus on the adoption of innovations in diabetes prevention and care. In addition, a technology showcase will highlight groundbreaking advancements and digital tools that are enhancing community-based solutions across the country.
A key highlight of the summit will be the Guest Lecture by Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, President and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), recognised for her impactful work in advancing equitable healthcare. She will deliver insights during the opening ceremony, which will also feature remarks from partner representatives and government officials.
More than just a conference, the summit is a collective commitment to transforming diabetes care in South Africa. Attendees will include civil society organisations and individuals living with diabetes, fostering a diverse dialogue aimed at optimising healthcare delivery for everyone affected by this disease.
The summit will culminate in a celebratory event themed “Invest in Diabetes. Empower Lives.” An evening that will recognise outstanding contributions in diabetes innovations, research, and advocacy, including the prestigious Dr Vicki Pinkney-Atkinson Lifetime Impact in Diabetes Award, which honours exceptional long-term contributions to diabetes care.
