The International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes was founded as ISGD, the International Study Group for Diabetes (in childhood and adolescence) in 1974. In 1993, with the ISGD Declaration of Kos (see inset), it transformed from a small, study group to a full-fledged academic society. From its original meeting at the “Chateau Lestradet” in Paris, it has grown to include annual scientific meetings with more than 1000 attendees from all parts of the world. ISGD started originally because of frustrations by pediatric diabetologists concerning a lack of attention to childhood and adolescent diabetes issues at the International Diabetes Federation and similarly at the other international pediatric endocrine societies then in existence. The
focus of ISGD was an attempt to bring together international experts, to debate clinical and research issues and to foster scientific interchange throughout the world. The benefits of ISGD were quickly realized as friendships developed and a forum for such interchange thrived. The small numbers of members grew after the first decade of ISGD’s history and expanded to include not just European and North American pediatric endocrinologists but later also those from Asia and elsewhere. In 2008, ISPAD was formally registered as a Charity in the UK. ISPAD has its own President, Treasurer and Secretary General. At present, eight elected Advisory Council members, both from the group of physician as well as the non-physician members of the pediatric diabetes team, including the webmaster join the three-member Executive Committee to help govern ISPAD, plan activities and provide oversight. Every year ISPAD organizes Annual Meetings. There is also an annual physician research-oriented Science School, as well as a Science School for Allied Health Professionals, working with youngsters who have diabetes with competitive applications for both schools each year. Every year Post-Graduate Courses have taking places all around the world - bringing pediatric and adolescent diabetes experts to interact with local pediatricians, pediatric diabetologists and pediatric endocrinologists.
