Journal of Diabetes and Endocrine Practice (2018–2023): A Quest for a Role!

Welcome to the last issue of JDEP in 2023. This issue is almost exclusively dedicated to the work and life of the Gulf Association of Endocrinology and Diabetes (GAED) in 2023. Here is an editorial perspective on the life and work of GAED and its journal.

Proceedings of the latest GAED Annual Conference was held 2 weeks ago in Muscat, Oman. Over 100 abstracts for free communications were presented in different formats, including orals, physical posters, and e-posters. Many interesting case reports, observational studies, and therapeutic trials were published mostly from within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Unfortunately, the abstract submission software did not control the style and content of the abstracts, creating some discrepancies in the text volume between abstracts. Also, the software did not distinguish between case reports and research-based abstracts, whose styles are inherently different. However, the timely publishing of these abstracts should encourage more interaction between workers of mutual interests.

In addition, the GAED officers reflect on the association's state in 2023. They quickly ran through the activities of GAED in a year and reiterated the mission of the association and its values. GAED is a unique body in the MENA region, being the only independent transnational organization with an unrestricted membership style for six countries, including native and expatriate endocrinologists. The members elect its leadership. Its fiscal conduct is under scrutiny by the regulators in Dubai. Although, as reported in the AGM, GAED is currently in a strong financial position, several associations observed progressively decreasing funding from the industry following the COVID-19 pandemic, with the tendency toward stand-alone and virtual activities. These changes should call for more prudent fiscal policies and collaborative work rather than repetitive or competitive activities.

By the current issue, JDEP completes its 6th year of life. Admittedly, it started at a very slow pace. Over the last 3 years, we have increased the volume to achieve the expected four yearly issues. A reasonable balance between original and review articles was maintained, with some opinion pieces dotted here and there in addition to the GAED-related communications. There is a slow progression in attracting adequate numbers of articles despite the open access and free editorial process. Some degree of endogeny could not be avoided. However, we have maintained a strict peer-review policy and practice throughout the past 6 years, and we remain committed to this high standard despite the low flow of submissions. Quality remains the driving force of our work. However, the low number of submissions can frustrate the editors, particularly since we see increasing publications from our region in many journals outside the MENA region, some of which are of low impact, and some are not even indexed in any index and may be categorized as predatory by all known criteria.

JDEP's goal remains as stated in its first issue. It is a forum for communicating original research, regional data, review articles, interesting case reports, teaching images, sounding boards, and matters of great importance to the medical field. We hoped that JDEP would soon become the voice of endocrinologists and diabetologists in the MENA region and a medium for endocrinologists and diabetologists worldwide. Like all good journals, JDEP is committed to publishing research of high-quality and rigorous acumen expeditiously, fairly, and positively. So far, many of our pages have been dedicated to ethnically and regionally relevant issues, such as endocrine aspects of Ramadan fasting and contemporary views on vitamin D deficiency. Several surveys of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physicians and patients on common endocrine conditions were published in the journal over the last six years. In addition, we have given ample opportunities for early release and dissemination of abstracts for free communications of regional conferences.

At the end of my first term, I hope all of you will give JDEP some priority or even “positive discrimination” to share your research and views on diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolism. Please do not ask us for our indexation status but rather give us the means to be a successful indexation applicant. We look forward to receiving more submissions and entertaining any suggestions and comments that would improve JDEP.

Compliance with Ethical Principles

No ethical approval is required.

Author Contribution

Single author.

Publication History

Article published online:
26 December 2023