The 3rd International Annual Diabetes Conference in Abu Dhabi

The 3rd International Annual Diabetes Conference was held on Friday 18 November 2016 at Dusit Thani Hotel in Abu Dhabi, and was attended by over 150 healthcare professionals from UAE and the region. Eight sessions and workshops were organized throughout the day by speakers from HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, Al Mafraq Hospital, SEHA’s Ambulatory Health Services and other healthcare institutions focusing on the latest technologies and innovations in diabetes.

The conference, which was organized by HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center (in partnership with Diabetes Zentrum Mergentheim from Germany), discussed the latest global trends and scientific studies in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and ways to prevent its complications, as well as a number of case studies in dealing with complex cases for patients with diabetes.

Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa Al Hammadi, CEO & Managing Director of United Eastern Medical Services (UEMedical) in Abu Dhabi, said, “UEMedical group through its different healthcare facilities is committed to annually hold scientific conferences on diabetes providing continuous medical education to the medical community, and keeping them informed on the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes. As we mark tomorrow the UAE Innovation Week, the healthcare sector is certainly witnessing numerous innovative services and technologies providing the community with high quality care and preventative services.”

The conference was inaugurated by His Excellency Goetz Lingenthal, German Ambassador in UAE. His Excellency Lingenthal affirmed the strong relations and strategic partnerships between UAE and Germany, which are steadily growing in various sectors and areas. In the opening speech, His Excellency Lingenthal, said “UAE and Germany cooperation is growing in the health sector. Many German physicians and healthcare professionals are employed in public and private healthcare institutions and pharmaceuticals companies in UAE. German pharmaceutical and medical companies also focus on the UAE market which is one of the strongest in the region.”

At the conference, physicians revealed that the rate of patients with diabetes not taking their planned medications is high and that 45% of patients with diabetes do not know they have it until few years later which increases the risks of complications, thus, awareness on diabetes and regular screenings should continue intensely.

Physicians affirmed on the importance of the new generation of technologies such as the round-the-clock glucose monitoring device that doesn’t require a blood sample withdrawal which benefits the patients with diabetes and in particular children; in addition to providing an integrated database on glucose concentration in the blood.

From his side, Dr. Mohammed Al-Khatib, Consultant Endocrinology and Diabetes at HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center and the Chairman of the conference stated, “one of our sessions was about the new treatment options and the new generation of medications including injections or oral medications in treating patients with diabetes. Another one was dedicated to review and discuss the most complex cases that suffer from diabetes and how physicians managed the cases in controlling blood sugar levels to be close to normal levels.”

He added, “Latest insulin pumps require planting a small device under the skin to measure sugar levels around the clock and is connected wirelessly with the insulin pump which allows supplying the body electronically with its needs of insulin even during the patient's sleep and spontaneously stops giving insulin when blood glucose levels are low. This is usually used for diabetes type 1. This technology helps in maintaining the sugar levels almost naturally in the body. Other technologies include the glucose monitoring device, a small-sized device that the patient can stick on the shoulder and is linked to a wireless receiver that the patient carries.”

Dr. Mahmoud Ben Baraka, Consultant Diabetes & Endocrinology at HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center in Abu Dhabi, and one of the conference speakers warned that the number of patients with diabetes is steadily increasing with the prevalence of chronic diseases particularly obesity, heart diseases and other ailments. He affirmed that research studies show that lifestyle changes could reduce the incidence of diabetes by 58%, if the individual commits to walk for an average of 150 minutes per week at a rate of 30 minutes five days a week, and commits to healthy eating, staying away from obesity.

Dr. Mohsen Al Mekresh, Head of Urology Department in Al Mafraq Hospital in Abu Dhabi, spoke about the impact of diabetes on men's health and relation between diabetes and erectile dysfunction. He also stressed out on the importance of following the treatment plan. “Not committing to the treatment plan set by the physician would impact the nerves system, and male hormones, and may cause vascular problems.”

Alongside the scientific conference, an exhibition was held showcasing the latest technologies and innovations in the field of diabetes. The conference was accredited for 6.5 hours of Continuous Medical Education by the Health Authority Abu Dhabi.