Highlights of the 11th Emirates Diabetes and Endocrine (Virtual) Congress, March 4–6, 2021

Abstract

Backgrounds: The Eleventh Diabetes and Endocrine Virtual Congress (EDEC 2021) was held on March 4–6, 2021, due to the COVID pandemic. Objectives: We aimed to present highlights of the congress proceedings. Materials and Methods: The journal appointed 3 rapporteurs to prepare this congress report. They prepared assigned sections and reviewed the rest of the manuscript, and approved its final version. Results: The conference contents over 3 days included a wide range of lectures by world-class experts and key opinion leaders on various topical subjects, endocrinology, diabetes care, and metabolism, in addition to original data from submitted abstracts. The clinical approach to managing a pituitary mass, contemporary management of acromegaly, and the relationship between growth hormone and neoplasia were discussed. The virtual EDEC 2021 provided a comprehensive review of topical issues concerning clinical practice and research in diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolism. Predictably, the thyroid took the scene’s center, spanning many subjects from hypothyroidism, pregnancy care, thyroid nodules, and cancer management. Rational approaches to pituitary disease and acromegaly were valuable for practicing endocrinologists. Recent advances in adrenal disease were valuable, practical, and futuristic. The reviews on bone metabolism and calcium homeostasis at large and during the COVID-19 pandemic were fascinating. On the diabetes side, emphasis on the cardiovascular outcomes, the use of newer agents when compelling indications exist, and the role of technology were precious contributions. Some of the classical questions were addressed and revisited, such as endocrinology of thalassemia, precocious puberty, and testosterone replacement. The newer and future lipid-modifying therapies were stimulating, mainly when high-risk patients are considered. Imaging, immunology, and molecular biology took their share in various presentations. Conclusions: The virtual EDEC 2021 provided a comprehensive review of topical issues concerning clinical practice and research in diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolism. Many new concepts were introduced in diabetes care and endocrinology, bringing the audience to the forefront of research and world-class clinical practice.