HISTORY AND ACTIVITIES OF JAPAN-DIABETES-SOCIETY

After 1953, Dr. Y. Kobayashi organized a study group of chemotherapy o f diabetes mellitus, and then a more broader 'Diabetes Study Group' sp onsored by the Ministry of Education. During these group activities, t he members felt the need to establish a forum to discuss various aspec ts of diabetology. In December 1957, an inaugural meeting of the Japan Diabetes Society (JDS) was held. The objectives of the Society were t o promote the investigation and to spread the knowledge on diabetes an d to thereby prevent the hazard arising from diabetes. Since that time , JDS has been admitted as a member of the International Diabetes Fede ration in 1958, and was approved as an incorporated association by the Ministry of Education in 1985. It has now seven regional branches. Me mbers increased greatly and reached 7795 in March 1993. In every year, JDS has a 3-day nationwide general scientific meeting, and local meet ings are held by each of its branches. The official journal 'Tonyobyo( Journal of the Japan Diabetes Society)' is being issued monthly. JDS e dited educational books for diabetic patients, such as 'Guidebook for the Treatment of Diabetes', 'The Exchange List of Foods for the Treatm ent of Diabetes Mellitus' and 'The Guidebook of Summer Camp for Diabet ic Children'. In 1967, JDS began to hold a 2-day post-graduate course named 'Progress in Diabetology' for physicians, nurses, dieticians and other health professionals. JDS has a close connection with the Japan Association of Diabetes Care and Education, co-sponsoring the 'diabet es week' every year. JDS participated in the activities of Internation al Diabetes Federation in many aspects. The first office of IDF Wester n Pacific Region, placed in Kobe, was supported by JDS. The 15th IDF m eeting in Kobe is now being prepared by many members of the JDS.