Diabetes Conference in Abu Dhabi Starts Today

International and local speakers at the 6th Annual Diabetes for Primary Care Conference, which was held in Abu Dhabi, Grand Hilton Capital Hotel today, Friday discussed the latest technologies and techniques in diabetes treatment. The conference, organized by HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, was attended by over 150 healthcare professionals.  

Mr. Majd Abu Zant, CEO of HealthPlus Network of Specialty Centers, part of UEMedical group in Abu Dhabi, said that for the 6th year in a row the group were keen to organize this conference in line with it’s strategy to help limit diabetes and its complications, and to support continuous medical education and medical researches which are conducted by our physicians in the group through Danat Al Emarat Hospital, HealthPlus Centers and Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi. 

“The conference this year focused on the importance of providing comprehensive services in different specialties for diabetes patients, including diabetology and endocrinology, cardiology, ophthalmology, podiatry, nutrition, mental health and others. The conference included 8 different lectures focusing on the latest technologies in the field of diabetes,” Mr. Abu Zant added.

Dr. Mohammed Al Khatib, Chairperson of the Conference, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Internal Medicine Consultant at HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center in Abu Dhabi presented a lecture about the latest technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes such as advanced sugar level measuring devices; which are available at HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center in Abu Dhabi. “The device would be attached to the patient and can monitor blood sugar percentage 24/7, also during sleep and while eating. The device would then send the results automatically to the patient’s electronic file, while at the same time the device is attached to an insulin pump to provide the patient with the required doses of insulin around the clock to keep blood sugar percentage normal. The device is also connected to a smart phone application for the patient to view his/her blood sugar percentage details.”

He also said that this technique plays an important role in protecting organs functions, like the brain, kidneys and heart from diabetes complications

“Our speakers from Austria, and locally from Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children, HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, American Neurology Center and Advanced Cure Center emphasized on the importance of weight loss to avoid diabetes and blood pressure. Scientific researches show that reducing overall weight by 5 to 10% can prevent diabetes occurrence,” Dr. Mohammed concluded. 

presented a lecture about international scientific researches on diabetes medications and their effects, including new medications like Semaglutide, which is a new medication that is taken as an injection once a week; and UAE will be the first Arab country to allow this type of medication, which has a great advantage in treating type 2 diabetes and in reducing weight. 

 “New medications in treating diabetes aren’t considered a replacement for insulin, therefore it should only be taken under the supervision of specialized physicians. Since 2008, the Food and Drug Administration, USA, required conducting research on any diabetes medication to know its effects on heart and arteries; which pushed pharma companies to work harder to do more research, which ultimately reflected positively on the patients’ health.” Dr. Huda added. 

Participants also spoke about a new medication that is used in preventing heart attacks, which turned out to be also effective in diabetes treatment and weight loss. 

Dr. Rasha Abbas, Psychiatry Consultant at Danat Al Emarat Hospital and HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center talked about depression, diabetes and the mental health of patients suffering from diabetes. She also pointed out that international research shows that people who suffer from diabetes type 1 and type 2 have an increased risk of depression by 20%, and having depression increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by 60%. This shows the importance of addressing mental health issues to protect people from many diseases including diabetes.”

On the side of the conference, there was an exhibition including international companies who showcased the latest technologies available. The conference was accredited for 6 CME hours by Department of Health Abu Dhabi.