IPACON 2026 brings over 400 experts together to focus on preventing diabetic foot amputations

Over 400 healthcare professionals gathered in Moinabad on Saturday for the start of IPACON 2026, a national congress focused on diabetic foot care and limb salvage. The event, hosted by the Indian Podiatry Association (IPA) in collaboration with its Telangana chapter, aims to address the growing challenge of preventable amputations among diabetes patients through research, education, and practical training. The congress opened with a scientific programme featuring more than 50 faculty members presenting across 30 sessions. Discussions spanned multiple areas including diabetic foot reconstruction, revascularisation, limb-salvage protocols, regenerative wound healing, biological therapies, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, infection and osteomyelitis, antibiotic stewardship, offloading, gait analysis, preventive podiatry, advanced wound care, and appropriate dressing techniques. Each session was designed to provide insights into current practices and emerging trends in managing diabetic foot conditions. Hands-on workshops were also part of the agenda, offering participants opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge directly. These included sessions on advanced wound-healing techniques, total contact casting, debridement, wound-care management, vascular procedures, and international product demonstrations. Such interactive elements aim to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, ensuring that attendees can implement new methods upon returning to their respective institutions. The event’s theme, “Redefining Diabetic Foot Care Through Prevention, Preservation and Regeneration,” reflects a shift towards proactive measures rather than reactive treatment. This approach aligns with global health initiatives that emphasize early intervention and comprehensive patient management to reduce the incidence of lower-limb amputations linked to diabetes. Participants at the congress included physicians, podiatrists, nurses, researchers, and medical students from across India. Their presence underscores the multidisciplinary nature of diabetic foot care, which requires coordinated efforts from various healthcare sectors. The inclusion of both established practitioners and newcomers highlights the importance of knowledge transfer and mentorship within the field. Organisers have structured the congress to facilitate networking and collaboration among attendees. Breakout sessions and panel discussions allow for the exchange of ideas and experiences, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to innovation. Additionally, the congress provides a platform for showcasing recent advancements in technology and treatment methodologies relevant to diabetic foot care. As the second day of the congress approaches, further sessions are scheduled to delve deeper into specific topics such as the role of biotechnology in wound healing and the impact of lifestyle modifications on foot health. These discussions will contribute to shaping future guidelines and policies aimed at enhancing patient outcomes and reducing the burden of diabetic foot complications on the healthcare system. The event continues until Sunday, during which time delegates will engage in additional seminars, case studies, and expert panels. With each passing hour, the collective expertise shared at IPACON 2026 contributes to a broader understanding of how to effectively manage and potentially prevent diabetic foot amputations through integrated and innovative approaches.