IDF-WPR ADC 2026 wrap-up: ADEA members connect, learn and lead in Melbourne
More than 3,500 registrations, including more than 900 international delegates, came together in Melbourne for IDF-WPR Congress 2026, Australasian Diabetes Congress 2026 and Metabolic Diseases Meeting 2026.
Across the Congress, ADEA members, Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDEs), diabetes educators and diabetes health professionals took part in four days of learning, recognition, professional connection and shared discussion about the future of diabetes care.
For ADEA, the Congress was also an important opportunity to recognise the contribution of members and highlight the role of diabetes education in translating research, technology, lived experience and service innovation into everyday practice.
This article forms part of ADEA’s post-Congress coverage. Explore ADEA’s IDF-WPR ADC 2026 Congress hub for more post-Congress round-ups, recognition moments and member stories.
ADEA Education Day set the tone for practical learning
Before the main Congress program began, ADEA Education Day welcomed 100 CDEs, diabetes educators and diabetes health professionals for a hands-on, group-based learning experience.
Delivered at capacity and brought to you by Abbott, the pre-congress workshop included hands-on learning stations, case-based discussions and expert-led sessions focused on diabetes technology, medicines, type 1 diabetes care and communication skills. The day reflected ADEA’s focus on practical, relevant professional development, supporting diabetes health professionals to build knowledge and skills they can take back to their own practice settings.
Stream 2 highlighted the role of diabetes education and quality improvement
The Congress program brought together one of the most comprehensive diabetes programs held in the region, spanning six streams:
Living with Diabetes
Diabetes Education and Quality Improvement
Metabolic Diseases 2026: Discovery Science in Diabetes
Epidemiology, Public Health and Policy
Diabetes Complications
Clinical Diabetes Management and Therapeutics
For many ADEA members and CDEs, Stream 2: Diabetes Education and Quality Improvement provided a focused pathway through the program.
Sessions explored diabetes education, peer support, quality improvement, equity, technology, workforce development, culturally responsive care, psychosocial care, co-design and practical approaches to strengthening diabetes care.
Across the stream, a clear theme emerged: diabetes education is central to helping people living with diabetes access information, support, technology and care that is meaningful in their own lives and communities.
Recognising excellence across the diabetes education community
A major highlight of Congress was the ADEA Awards Session, which recognised the achievements, leadership and professional contribution of ADEA members and diabetes health professionals from across Australia.
Delegates came together to celebrate ADEA’s highest honours and professional recognition programs, including the CDE of the Year Awards and the Honorary Life Membership Award. These awards recognise excellence in diabetes education, leadership, advocacy and long-term contribution to the profession.
Congress also provided an opportunity to recognise recipients of the Novo Nordisk travel grants, which supported regional, rural and remote ADEA members to attend Congress, connect with peers and bring new learning back to their local teams and communities.
Recognition continued through the Abbott Case Study Competition Awards, which showcased practical, person-centred approaches to diabetes care, education and self-management. The Roche Presentation Awards also celebrated excellence in oral and poster presentations across the Congress program.
ADEA members, Board Directors and diabetes health professionals at the ADEA Awards Session and Board ADEA President Ann Bush farewelling Derek Finch, Board Director, during the ADEA Board and Member Fo The ADEA Awards Session and Board and Member Forum recognised member contribution, leadership and co ADEA members, Board Directors and diabetes health professionals at the ADEA Awards Session and Board
Member voice at the ADEA Board and Member Forum
Connection with members remained a key focus throughout Congress week, including through the ADEA Board and Member Forum.
The forum brought ADEA members together with the Board, executive team and staff to hear updates on ADEA’s direction and future priorities. Discussions included ADEA’s strategic plan, upcoming constitutional changes, member experience initiatives, education programs, credentialling improvements and opportunities for members to contribute through committees, working groups and special interest groups.
Members also had the opportunity to ask questions directly of Board Directors and the executive team, reinforcing ADEA’s commitment to listening to members and ensuring member perspectives continue to inform future planning, decision-making and the support ADEA provides to the diabetes education workforce.
The forum also included a heartfelt farewell to Derek Finch, Board Director, recognising his contribution to ADEA and the diabetes education community. Farewelled by ADEA President Ann Bush, the moment captured the warmth, respect and connection shared across the ADEA community.
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From global knowledge to local impact
As delegates return to their workplaces and communities, the impact of Congress extends beyond Melbourne.
The learning, research, practical insights and professional connections shared throughout the week will help inform diabetes education, service delivery and person-centred care across Australia and the region.
As delegates return to their workplaces and communities, the impact of Congress extends beyond Melbourne.
The learning, research, practical insights and professional connections shared throughout the week will help inform diabetes education, service delivery and person-centred care across Australia and the region.
To all ADEA members, thank you for the work you continue to do across Australia and beyond. Whether you joined us in Melbourne, followed Congress from afar or continued supporting people living with diabetes in your local setting, your contribution is part of the bigger story of diabetes education and care. It is built by people who keep showing up for their communities, their colleagues and the people they support every day.
Global knowledge. Local impact.
