Events by European Diabetes Epidemiology Group

The 59th Annual Meeting of the European Diabetes Epidemiology Group (EDEG) represents a premier gathering of the world’s leading researchers, clinicians, and public health experts dedicated to understanding the distribution and determinants of diabetes across populations. Set against the backdrop of Swansea, UK, this conference serves as a critical nexus for sharing high-quality epidemiological data that informs global health policy and clinical practice. As the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes continues to rise globally, the focus of this year’s meeting is heavily centered on "Precision Epidemiology"—moving beyond broad population statistics to understand how individual genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors interact to influence disease progression and complications. The program is meticulously curated to include a blend of plenary lectures from internationally renowned speakers, oral abstract sessions, and interactive poster presentations. A significant portion of the agenda is dedicated to the social determinants of health, exploring how socio-economic status, urban planning, and food systems impact diabetes risk in diverse European populations. Attendees will engage with the latest findings from large-scale longitudinal cohorts and electronic health record analyses, providing a comprehensive look at the "real-world" state of diabetes management. Furthermore, the 2026 meeting places a strong emphasis on the intersection of technology and epidemiology, showcasing how wearable devices and digital health interventions are providing new streams of data for public health surveillance. Beyond the formal scientific sessions, the EDEG meeting is famous for its collaborative atmosphere. The "Swansea 2026" iteration is designed to foster networking between early-career researchers and established veterans in the field. Specific workshops will focus on advanced statistical modeling techniques, such as Mendelian randomization and machine learning in health data science, ensuring that the next generation of epidemiologists is equipped with the tools necessary to tackle the complexities of metabolic disease. The goal is not just to report numbers, but to translate those numbers into actionable strategies that can reduce the global burden of diabetes, improve patient outcomes, and ultimately move closer to primary prevention. By attending, participants contribute to a collective effort to harmonize epidemiological methods across borders, ensuring that data from various European regions is comparable and robust. This event is more than a conference; it is a collaborative engine driving the future of metabolic health research.