Northern Health’s Ambulatory Diabetes team has showcased its expertise on the international stage, presenting innovative research and sharing clinical knowledge at one of the region’s leading diabetes conferences.

The International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region Congress 2026 was held jointly with the Australasian Diabetes Congress and Metabolic Diseases 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 18–21 August.

Bringing together diabetes professionals, researchers and healthcare leaders from across Australia and the Western Pacific, the four-day event provided an important opportunity to exchange ideas, explore emerging research and strengthen approaches to diabetes care.

Northern Health was strongly represented throughout the congress, with members of the Ambulatory Diabetes team contributing posters, presentations, clinical case studies and expert-led sessions.

Michelle Robins, Diabetes Nurse Practitioner, presented two posters highlighting Northern Health’s work. The first explored the role of the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department as more than an after-hours service, while the second focused on improving the safety of diabetes medicines management through a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach.

Michelle also delivered a plenary presentation on diabetes in aged care and a session examining lipohypertrophy as an important consideration in insulin injection therapy. She also chaired a session on diabetes automation and decision support at the Australasian Diabetes Advancements and Technologies Summit.

Julie Loughran, Diabetes Nurse Educator supporting Community Services and subacute inpatient care, presented a poster on formalising home-based insulin support following hospital discharge. Her work demonstrated how collaboration and communication can help reduce delayed discharge and hospital readmissions.

Julie also delivered a session at the Ascensia Lunch Hub on active safety pen needle considerations in clinical and aged care settings.

Diana Politis, Diabetes Nurse Educator with Hospital in the Home, was named among the top ten in the Abbott FreeStyle Living with Diabetes case study competition. Her case study, Enhancing person-centred diabetes care through continuous glucose monitoring in Hospital in the Home: a case study using FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus, was featured in a booklet distributed throughout the conference.

Laila Kahkonen, Senior Diabetes Dietitian, presented a poster evaluating Northern Health’s Dietetic Diabetes in Pregnancy Clinic. The retrospective audit compared patient characteristics and management approaches with national benchmarks, contributing valuable insights into diabetes care during pregnancy.

Catarina Hart, Ambulatory Diabetes Team Lead, said the congress was a valuable opportunity for the team to learn, connect and contribute to conversations shaping the future of diabetes care.

“The four-day international conference was filled with inspiring conversations, new research and innovative ideas and, most importantly, a shared commitment to improving the lives of people living with diabetes.”

The team’s strong contribution reflects Northern Health’s commitment to research, collaboration and continuous improvement, while recognising the important role of multidisciplinary care in supporting people living with diabetes.