Convention Diabetes 2024

A day full of inspiration and expertise

On 8 November 2024, the Springer Convention Diabetes once again demonstrated the value of dialogue between the trades, medicine and science. With practical workshops, a high-calibre panel discussion and inspiring presentations, the event provided the perfect platform for developing new ideas and tackling existing challenges together. Let's take a look back at the highlights of the day:

The event was opened by Board of Directors Frank Hepperwho emphasised the enormous importance of the topic of diabetes with impressive figures, data and facts. He impressively demonstrated the increasing prevalence of diabetes and the growing challenges facing the healthcare system, as well as the skilled trades, in caring for this patient group.

The initial lecture by Kirstine Fratz

The lecture by Zeitgeist researcher Kirstine Fratz was one of the absolute highlights of the Springer Convention Diabetes. With her inspiring yet thought-provoking input, she opened up the space for new perspectives and posed the central question: How can we enable people to live a better life? She not only shed light on the social challenges surrounding diabetes, but also went deeper and addressed the big questions of our time.

What are the new promises of a successful life? How will our sugar consumption change in the future? And which paths will lead us to a healthy life that we really want? Her image of the "empty field of longing" was particularly impressive - a concept that resonated for a long time. What unspoken desires drive us and what gaps do we want to fill? With these thoughts, she challenged us to understand people's desires in order to enable sustainable change. Her presentation formed the perfect basis for the rest of the day's discussions. As a true mindopener, it encouraged people to find the cracks in old thought structures and dare to try something new. An impressive start that inspired the participants in the long term.

The panel discussion 

Under the confident moderation of ZDF presenter Florian Zschiedrich, renowned experts took part in the discussion: the physician Dr Karl Zink, Dr Dietmar Rohland (Medical Service of Lower Saxony), Kirstine Fratz (Zeitgeist researcher), Ingo Pfeiffer (master orthopaedic shoe technician) and Heiko Schreiter (Springer sales manager).

The discussion covered a wide range of topics - from practical challenges to visionary approaches for the future. Zeitgeist researcher Kirstine Fratz encouraged reflection with her questions: Is a sugar tax the solution to the global diabetes problem? What desires really drive us to become healthy? Her perspective brought a social dimension to the discussion. Dr Karl Zink emphasised the need to train GPs better and to promote interdisciplinary cooperation more strongly. "There are fewer knowledge deficits, but above all decision-making deficits," was one tenor of the discussion. There was consensus that regulatory hurdles often restrict flexibility in the provision of medical aids. Dr Dietmar Rohland emphasised the importance of clear guidelines. Ingo Pfeiffer spoke about the perspective of the trade and the day-to-day challenges of orthopaedic footwear technology. His appeal: "Interdisciplinary understanding between medicine, craftsmanship and politics must grow if we want to be successful in the long term." The discussion showed how important it is to unite the perspectives of all those involved. The close collaboration between medicine, craftsmanship and politics is the key to making diabetes care fit for the future and fulfilling the needs of patients in the best possible way.

Workshop 1

Quality standards and safety in care

Speakers: OSM Leo Lelgemann & OTM Christian Krüger

The importance of quality assurance in diabetes care became particularly clear in this workshop. The extended requirements of the German Diabetes Association (DDG) were discussed in a practical manner and broken down into specific situations. With new classifications of risk classes, Leo Lelgemann presented a logical interpretation that will provide more clarity in the future. An important topic: Documentation as a basisbecause security of supply & 
qualified further training are the top priority.

Workshop 2

Outpatient foot clinic in everyday life - cooperation that lets everyone win

Speakers: Dr Karl Zink & OSM Thomas Ehrle

This workshop clearly showed that close cooperation between patient, doctor and orthopaedic shoe technician is the key to success. Patients benefit from optimal careDoctors appreciate the direct implementation of their prescriptions, and service providers not only gain time, but also new customers through satisfied patients.

Particularly important: The inner shoe measurementwhich documents the initial situation and proves the effectiveness of the measures. Conclusion: Orthopaedic footwear technicians with sound expertise and experience clearly prevail - "All or nothing!"

Workshop 3

DAF digital - measure, design, manufacture

Speakers: Sven Feuer (OSM), Andreas Bauer (R&D Springer), Heiko Schreiter (Sales Springer)

Digitalisation is not a panacea, but it opens up enormous opportunities when combined with technical expertise. The practical comparison was particularly impressive: 3D printing reduced the production time from 60 to 32 minuteswithout compromising on quality. With the innovative tool EASYCAD at the end of the workshop: "Simply awesome!" - a quote that speaks for itself.

Closing lecture and conclusion

Dr Peter Borchard captivated the audience with his entertaining presentation on the connection between Sport, psyche and motivation - a perfect blend of science and practice that inspired the audience. The event concluded with a collegial exchange in a relaxed atmosphere with excellent food, beer and non-alcoholic drinks.

Our conclusion

The Springer Convention Diabetes was a complete success - at the highest professional level and characterised by a unique atmosphere of togetherness. We are proud to have not only taken the pulse of the industry with this event, but also to have played an active role in shaping the future of diabetes care.

Thank you to all the participants who made this day so special!