SLENDO 2024: Transcontinental Collaboration

The global burden of diabetes is continually growing, which calls for enhanced collective action to prevent and treat diabetes complications. The Sri Lanka College of Endocrinology, the European Association for the Study of Diabetes and the International Society of Endocrinology joined forces at the Sri Lanka Endocrine Congress (SLENDO) 2024 to promote excellence in diabetes care and research.

SLENDO 2024 was held from 8th to 11th August, 2024, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and was organised by the Sri Lanka College of Endocrinology (SLCE) in collaboration with the International Society of Endocrinology (ISE) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). “The rationale for this collaboration is rooted in our mutual commitment to addressing the significant and growing challenge of diabetes in the South-Asian region and globally,” says EASD Postgraduate Education Committee member Prof. Caterina Conte from San Raffaele Roma Open University (Rome, Italy). She was one of four EASD representatives who presented at SLENDO 2024, the others being EASD President Prof. Chantal Mathieu (Leuven, Belgium), Prof. Apostolos Tsapas (Thessaloniki, Greece) and Prof. Lalantha Leelarathna (Manchester, UK).

The collaboration between these learned societies considerably enriched the programme of SLENDO 2024. EASD experts delivered key sessions on topics, such as novel glucose-monitoring techniques, advanced insulin-delivery methods and the expanding role of artificial intelligence in diabetes care. In addition, interactive workshops were held that proved highly successful.

SGLT2 inhibitors: Drugs with Multiple Benefits

In her first talk given at SLENDO 2024, Prof. Caterina Conte discussed long-term effects of incretin-based therapy. Her second presentation on mechanisms of action of SGLT2 inhibitors started with the development of these drugs, which dates back to the early 19th century. She discussed the mechanisms underlying their mode of action, as well as their cardiometabolic and renal benefits that extend to both people living with and without diabetes. “SGLT2 inhibitors have led to major shifts in the management of several categories of patients,” Prof. Caterina Conte says. Nevertheless, certain risks including euglycaemic ketoacidosis need to be taken into account when considering the long-term use of SGLT2 inhibitors.

Local Aspects and Global Perspectives

As Conte points out, the exchange between smaller diabetes societies and larger international organisations is mutually beneficial. “Local conferences often discuss region-specific issues, for example, the unique genetic, cultural and social factors that impact diabetes in this area.” These aspects can inform and enhance global strategies. On the other hand, the exchange facilitates local adaptation of the latest global research and novel perspectives. “Collaborations foster a more comprehensive understanding of diabetes and ensure that care and research are more globally informed and locally impactful.”

To learn more about the SLENDO Congress, go to: https://slendo.lk

Author: Judith Moser, MD. Any opinions expressed in this article are the responsibility of EASD e-Learning.