This year the 16th meeting of the Anglo-Danish-Dutch Diabetes Group (ADDDG) was held from 12 to 15 May 1998 at The Old England Hotel, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria. The Anglo-Danish Diabetes Group was initially formed in 1982 by Edwin Gale, Torsten Lauritzen, and Stig Pramming and was joined, shortly after, by the Dutch contingent. The ADDDG now has a separate and distinctive role on the scene of international diabetes congresses. Individual participation at the ADDDG is generally limited to a maximum of 2 years to give as many as possible the opportunity to attend this unique event. The aim of the meeting is to create the opportunity for young diabetes investigators to meet and discuss their research in a relaxed atmosphere allowing the free expression of ideas and active discussion which is often inhibited at national and international meetings. This year's meeting was attended by 32 junior diabetes researchers. Professors Stephanie Amiel (London), George Alberti (Newcastle), and William Erkelens (Amsterdam) were invited as Senior Discussants, to enable a good foundation for enlivened discussion. Practical advice regarding presentation skills and research methodology was provided in a friendly and constructive manner.
Within a few hours of arrival, the first session of the meeting had begun. This session on vascular and endothelial function was very popular, attracting a high proportion of abstract submissions, both accepted and rejected. The work presented at the meeting included interesting data on exercise-induced transcutaneous foot oximetry; carotid artery compliance; skin capillary permeability; and studies of endothelial function, both in vivo and in vitro. On day 2, there were sessions on genetics, diabetic pregnancy, and retinopathy. A case presentation of a family with MODY highlighted many of the ethical issues surrounding genetic testing of unaffected family members. The ethical theme was continued with a talk by Professor Amiel on 'Ethics and Medical Research', which was well received and gave participants the opportunity to consider their research activities from a different perspective.
The social events are always an important part of ADDDG meetings and this year was no exception, the