Diabetes continues to be a growing health problem throughout the world; the incidence of both type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) has steadily been rising. However, with the advent of novel technologies, high throughput sequencing, and clinical studies involving diverse human populations, there also has been a growing appreciation for the existence of sub-classifications of both T1D and T2D based on genetics and environmental influences. Understanding and characterizing the different diseases is critical to develop more effective personalized therapies. Therefore, the goal of this conference is to highlight traditional and novel aspects of diabetes research. This program will include lectures on atypical forms of T1D, as well as the emerging premise that beta cell dysfunction contributes to progression of this autoimmune disease. A dedicated session for T2D will highlight disease variations and challenge the current dogma associated with genetic and environmental differences between individuals. This conference is being held jointly with Obesity: From Cell to Patient. The program contains joint sessions, workshops, and even a joint Keynote speaker. The joint sessions will highlight the contribution of obesity to T2D pathogenesis, with an emphasis on novel areas of research, including the role of different types and sources of fat, exosome signaling and the role of the microbiome. Overall, this conference strives to raise awareness in the clinical and basic research communities about the need to sub-stratify diabetes to develop better treatment options.

This new virtual meeting format came out of difficult circumstances, but your commitment to scientific progress is what inspired us to launch Keystone eSymposia. In these virtual meetings, we are capturing the same innovative essence of our in-person meetings that you've all created as a scientific community.  Here, Debbie Johnson, our CEO, explains how we're going to do that.