The 2025 Diabetes Summit

The 2025 Diabetes Summit is happening from 11th to 13th November in Johannesburg! Here’s what you need to know.

We asked Dr Patrick Ngassa Piotie, Chairperson of the Diabetes Alliance, to tell us what it is, why it’s important, and how to get yourself there.

What is the Diabetes Summit?

The Diabetes Summit is South Africa’s leading national platform dedicated to transforming diabetes prevention, care, and advocacy. Convened by the Diabetes Alliance, in partnership with the University of Pretoria, the National Department of Health (NDoH), the World Health Organization (WHO South Africa), the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), and other key organisations, the Summit brings together government, healthcare professionals, researchers, people living with diabetes, and civil society to find solutions that can truly change lives.

The 2025 Diabetes Summit’s theme is “Innovate for Impact: Transforming the Future of Diabetes in South Africa.”

Who is it for?

The Summit is designed for everyone with an interest in diabetes:

• People living with diabetes and their families
• Healthcare providers (nurses, doctors, educators, pharmacists, etc.)
• Policymakers and government officials
• Civil society organisations and advocacy groups
• Researchers, academics, and students
• Private sector
• Philanthropies and funders

What can people expect from the Summit?

Over the three-day summit, you can expect:

• Inspirational plenaries and debates on the future of diabetes in South Africa.
• Thematic sessions on prevention, education, management & access to care, surveillance, and research.
• Showcases of innovations from across the country.
• Networking opportunities with experts, decision-makers, and peers.
• A Fundraising Dinner where the Lifetime Impact in Diabetes Award will be presented.

A unique feature of the 2025 Diabetes Summit is the dedicated Lived Experience track. This includes workshops and sessions led by people with diabetes, focusing on advocacy, peer support, and empowerment.

You will gain practical skills to use in your daily life — from navigating the health system, to advocating for your rights, to supporting others in your community.

Dr Patrick Ngassa Piotie, Chairperson, Diabetes Alliance

How do you register?

Registration for the 2025 Diabetes Summit is now live on the official Summit website. From 1 October, the standard registration fee of R3,000 applies.

You can also book a seat at the Fundraising Dinner for R750, and for an extra R300 you can support the Diabetes Alliance and receive a commemorative Summit T-shirt.

Is there a way for people who can’t afford registration to attend?

Yes. The Diabetes Alliance launched a social media competition on 1 September 2025, with prizes including free Summit passes, fundraising dinner tickets, and Diabetes Alliance hampers. To enter, visit the Diabetes Alliance pages on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

How to Enter

1. Follow the Diabetes Alliance on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
2. Re-share or repost 3 of our existing posts with #DiabetesSummitSA.
3. Do ONE or more of the following with #DiabetesSummitSA:
   • Answer: “Why are you excited about the 2025 Diabetes Summit?” with a comment, a post, or a video.
   • Take part in the Weekly Quiz by posting the correct answer in the comments.
4. Remember to tag and hashtag: tag their official page and include #DiabetesSummitSA.

Why is this Diabetes Summit important for people with diabetes?

The Diabetes Summit is unique in South Africa: it is the only national platform by people living with diabetes, for people living with diabetes. Unlike a traditional medical conference, the Summit is built on lived experience and ensures that people with diabetes are at the centre of every discussion, not just as attendees, but as moderators and panelists.

The Summit also embodies a whole-of-society approach. It brings together government officials, healthcare providers, researchers, civil society, and the private sector to engage directly with people living with diabetes.

This creates a rare and powerful opportunity for individuals to share their realities, challenge barriers, and influence the future of policy and care.

Are you interested in attending the 2025 Diabetes Summit?

Here’s what to expect!

💙 Day 1: 11th Nov – Pre-Summit Workshops (e.g., Building a Type 1 Diabetes Registry, Diabetes in the Workplace, Peer Support).

💙 Day 2: 12th Nov – Opening Ceremony, Sessions on Awareness & Prevention and Education, Innovation Showcase, and the Fundraising Dinner.

💙 Day 3: 13th Nov – Sessions on Management & Access to Care, Surveillance and Innovation & Research), and the Big Debate on ensuring diabetes innovations reach those who need them most.

Click here to register & secure your spot: www.diabetesalliance.org.za/2025-diabetes-summit/

Let’s talk about it!