On 20-25 November, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reinforced its scientific engagement and partnerships in the Western Pacific region, starting with a high-level IDF Scientific Exchange Tour in China. Led by Professor Jonathan Shaw, Programme Chair of the IDF Congress 2027 in Doha, the visit marked a milestone in advancing diabetes knowledge and strengthening collaboration across the Western Pacific Region.
The Scientific Exchange Tour demonstrated IDF’s commitment to scientific diplomacy and regional cooperation at a time when the Western Pacific bears the world’s highest diabetes burden.
The tour included academic sessions in Xi’an, Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai. It also featured IDF’s participation in the 27th Annual Scientific Conference of the Chinese Diabetes Society (CDS), held in Xi’an on 20 November. Professor Shaw represented the Federation at the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote lecture titled “Preventing Type 2 Diabetes: How to Succeed? Strengthening Global Partnerships to Combat Diabetes – The Role of IDF and China.”
This marked the first time an IDF representative addressed the CDS annual conference in an official capacity, initiating a new chapter in scientific cooperation between the two organisations.
Professor Shaw drew on data from the 11th edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas (2025), which estimates that 148 million people live with diabetes in China—more than any other country in the world. He outlined the key factors driving the rise in type 2 diabetes and highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving early detection. AI can enable community-level interventions and expand equitable access to care. He also recognised China’s advances in digital health as a powerful lever for large-scale impact. Learn more about Professor Shaw’s address on WeChat.
IDF Global Clinical Practice Recommendations
Later in the programme, Professor Shaw presented the IDF Global Clinical Practice Recommendations for Managing Type 2 Diabetes. He introduced the new dual framework of “Optimum Care” and “Basic Care,” designed to support both excellence in treatment and practical application across varied health systems. Learn more about this session on WeChat.
In-depth discussions with Chinese endocrinology experts followed, focusing on early diagnosis, treatment optimisation, the role of Metformin and implementation of the latest IDF recommendations.
The tour continued with a series of expert exchanges in Xi’an, Tianjin, Beijing and Shanghai. Professor Shaw met with senior leaders from the Chinese Diabetes Society, including Professor Lixin Guo (CDS Chair), Professor Weiping Jia (IDF Western Pacific Region Chair-Elect), and Professor Liming Chen (CDS Chair-Elect and IDF WPR Executive Committee Member).
These meetings confirmed a strong mutual interest in advancing joint efforts in research, education, advocacy and scientific programming and underscored China’s growing role in shaping the global diabetes agenda.
IDF gratefully acknowledges the support of Merck China for this scientific exchange tour in China.
