Boehringer Ingelheim focuses on new approaches to type 2 diabetes care across Saudi Arabia

Boehringer Ingelheim, one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, held today a press conference in Saudi Arabia in the occasion of the world’s diabetes day to address the prevalence of type 2 diabetes across the Kingdom. The event, which was held in Mövenpick Hotel Riyadh, included a number of prominent Saudi endocrinologists along with the company’s senior management.

Participants discussed the holistic new approach to manage type 2 diabetes, which focused on new methods to reduce blood sugar levels, as well as the cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients.

In 2015, there were 3.8 million cases of diabetes in Saudi Arabia. According to the International Diabetes Federation, the number of diabetes related deaths accounted for 23,420 during the same year, where the cost of treatment and management per person is USD 1,145.[1]

Professor Mourad El Mourad, Senior Advisor and Head of Scientific Committee to the General Directorate for Control of Genetic and Chronic Diseases at the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia, said, “The prevalence of diabetes in the Kingdom is increasing at alarming levels. Type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia represents around 90% of the cases.[2] The rapid change of lifestyle in Saudi Arabia has led to striking increased rates of the disease, which are primarily caused by adapting unhealthy lifestyles including, but not limited to physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and smoking, therefore inceasing the chances of acquiring other diseases that are linked to diabetes such as cardiovascular diseases. Type 2 diabetes represents a major public health problem in Saudi Arabia. Epidemiologists, public health researchers, and health policy makers in the country should collaborate to develop comprehensive programs for diabetes prevention and management among the Saudi population.”

Dr. Abdul Raouf Al Mahfouz, Consultant Endocrinologist and Head - Section of Endocrinology Department of Medicine at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre highlighted the benefits of the SGLT2 inhibition treatment paradigm. He said, “SGLT2 inhibition reduces reabsorption of glucose into the bloodstream, allowing excess glucose to pass through the urine, leading to urinary glucose excretion. SGLT2 inhibition is important because the management of type 2 diabetes is complex and challenging – a large number of people with the disease do not achieve their blood glucose targets[2]. Therefore, it has been shown to be an effective way of lowering blood glucose in the management of T2D with a positive effect on body weight and blood pressure.[3]”

“Given the important relationship of CV disease and diabetes, a broad range of studies are being conducted on a several new treatments of the same class, with the objective of closely investigative longterm clinical CV outcomes of adults suffering from type diabetes and are at high risk for CV events. Primary Results have showed a significant reduction of all-cause mortality of cardiovascular related deaths,” added Dr.  Al Mahfouz.

Dr. Ali Al Zahrani, Consultant Endocrinology at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre also said, “Type 2 diabetes may double the risk of death in patients with this disease. [1] People with type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of developing ischemic heart disease and stroke. When patients have both hypertension and diabetes, which is a common combination, the risk for cardiovascular disease doubles[2]. Even in people without diabetes, high blood glucose levels above normal ranges but not meeting the definition of diabetes can also be associated with risk of vascular disease. According to the WHO’s Multinational Study of Vascular Disease in Diabetes, cardiovascular disease was the most common underlying cause of death, accounting for 52% of deaths in type 2 diabetes. Reducing cardiovascular risk is an essential component of diabetes management. Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance are both associated with an increase in CVD risk.  Completing a regular annual cycle of care can help achieve better outcomes for people with diabetes. Regular assessments can prevent complications and other adverse outcomes associated with the disease.”

Mohammed Al-Tawil, General Manager, Near East Middle East Area (NEMEA) at Boehringer Ingelheim said, “Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is a critical life event, a main reason why we have heavily invested in current resources in an effort to find innovative solutions that address this growing burden in the Kingdom. We are working with healthcare officials and leading endocrinologists across the country to find new ways of managing the disease, so patients can have a better quality of life. At Boehringer Ingelheim, we are committed towards equipping the healthcare practitioners in Saudi Arabia  with solutions that can best benefit their patients. In KSA, diabetes management will continue to be a major therapy focus area for the company, especially since the condition is highly prevalent in the country. Through research and collaboration, our efforts reflect a growing range of product portfolios and a continued determination to provide sustainable solutions in Saudi Arabia that place patients at the forefront.”

The need to develop innovative solutions backed by groundbreaking research insights has been an ongoing objective across the national level in Saudi Arabia, not only to provide effective, long-term reductions in blood sugar levels and decrease the possibility of developing cardiovascular diseases, but to reflect a comprehensive approach to managing individual lives.