welcome letter

Dear Colleagues,

Prediabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome are highly prevalent conditions, affecting between one in six and one in three adults in most developed countries, and a similar proportion in the urban areas of many developing countries. Both conditions have a big public health importance because they are associated with a markedly increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD), thus contributing to the epidemic proportions of these diseases.

This situation has led us to initiate the series of International Congresses on Prediabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome. The first 2 congresses, in Berlin (2005) and in Barcelona (2007), were very successful, and established a meeting place for clinicians from several disciplines and basic scientists, all interested in prevention of diabetes and CVD.

Diabetes is an important CVD risk factor, and impaired glucose metabolism among cardiac patients is extremely prevalent. We aim to deepen and intensify the cardiodiabetes alliance in treatment and prevention. We hope that cardiologists will find the program attractive, and choose to participate in the congress.

Pharmaceutical companies are very active in testing new drugs, affecting possible mechanisms of the Metabolic Syndrome and its components. The congress will provide a platform for presentation of basic and clinical trial research results on novel therapies.

Last but not least: The Nice 2009 congress will honor two great physicians, both from the USA, who have contributed immensely to research and care of patients with diabetes and CVD. Prof. Jesse Roth, a great innovative scientist who was first to introduce the direct study of cell surface receptors and recognize their vital role in transforming hormonal signals into intracellular events. Jesse is also a mentor to a great generation of leading diabetes investigators worldwide. Prof. Scott Grundy, a great investigator of the metabolic basis for CVD risk, and a world leader in defining and putting the Metabolic Syndrome at the center of CVD and diabetes risk.

You are cordially invited to participate in the 3rd International Congress on Prediabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome, April 1-4, 2009.

Looking forward to seeing you in Nice.

Yours sincerely,