The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 2019 conference kicked off for a five-day run in BEXCO, Busan, on Monday.

More than 135 companies, including multinational pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, are participating in the conference operating 310 booths and drawing about 15,000 visitors.

The conference will present research achievements covering all aspects related to one of the most widespread diseases inflicting humankind, including environment, pregnancy, brain, liver, heart, psychotherapy, nutrition, mental health, nerves, obesity, depression, and pharmaceutical treatment. The event will present 1,315 researches – 1,007 poster sessions and 308 oral sessions, organizers said.

Vice Minister of Health and Welfare Kim Kang-lip makes a speech congratulating the opening of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 2019 at BEXCO, Busan, on Monday.

Diabetes has become a severe problem globally over recent years. IDF estimates that there will be about 578 million diabetes patients in 2030 and 700 million by 2045. It also predicts countries that cannot deal with diabetes property may even go bankrupt

“Member states of the U.N. have established a global action plan to address four major chronic diseases – cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes.” Vice Minister of Health and Welfare Kim Kang-lip said during the opening ceremony. “Finding a cure for these diseases is a universal challenge shared by the international community, and it is critical to lower the burden on the future healthcare system.”

Kim stressed that among the four diseases, diabetes is the most severe challenge and asked the IDF participants to tackle the problem.

IDF President Cho Nam-han also said, “Four million people are dying from diabetes every year, and the world is having a fierce battle with diabetes. As the IDF is the global allied force gathered to fight diabetes, we should work to give patients the life they deserve.”

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