Although we have emerged from the grips of the Covid pandemic, we are all seeing challenging waves of influenza and Strep A related illnesses. We work in an environment of severe workforce constraints and industrial action on a background of financial worries.
Yet, we have had opportunities this year to physically connect with one another in person and to realise how much talent there is within our membership and the diabetes society as a whole.
For our Association, there have been a number of notable successes this year, the highlight for me was the 100 years of insulin celebratory event in the summer at the RCP in London. There is now a supplement in the current issue of British Journal of Diabetes dedicated to this which is well worth reading. It tells a story of discovery, dedication and a gaze into the future. The preface from Dr Bob Ryder, the curator for the event, sets the scene well. For ABCD members, live presentations are available via the events page on the ABCD website.
I am wholeheartedly grateful to the ABCD and DTN executive members and committee colleagues for their unwavering support. Our administrative team at Red Hot Irons continue to do even more behind the scenes. I must also thank my local colleagues at the Royal Free for their support.
As this year draws to a close, I hope you have the opportunity to spend some well-deserved time with friends, family and move into 2023 with a renewed sense of gratitude for the opportunities we all have to connect, support and learn from one another, ultimately with the aim to improve the lives of people living with diabetes.
Festive Greetings to all,
Dipesh C. Patel
ABCD Chair
