Major new conference discusses latest thinking
Bariatric surgery and diabetes in GCC
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| Professor Karim Meeran in Advanced Diabetes Conference |
More than
140 diabetes experts gathered at Imperial College London Diabetes Centre to
share the latest thinking and discuss challenges associated with the disease.
Organisers of ICLDC’s inaugural Advanced
Diabetes Conference believe the event is set to become a firm fixture on the
calendar of medical specialists in the region in years to come.
“We’re delighted with both the numbers and the level of interaction achieved,”
said Karim Meeran, Professor of Endocrinology, Imperial College London
Faculty of Medicine and Chairman, ICLDC Medical Board London, UK.
“Given the
high prevalence of diabetes in the GCC, the conference is a most timely addition
to the medical calendar.”
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| ADC Conference Chairman Professor Maha Taysir Barakat, Director General HAAD opened the two day conference |
Conference Chairman, Her Excellency Professor Maha
Taysir Barakat, Director General, Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD), echoed the
sentiments, remarking that the event is much needed in a region with such a
high diabetes prevalence.
“This conference will help shed important attention
on the disease, which is both manageable and preventable.
“The key to good health
is as simple and as smart as managing a balanced diet and taking some moderate,
regular exercise.”
Diabetes in the GCC was under the spotlight during
the two day event in the capital.
According to the latest figures, 18.9 per cent of
the UAE population has diabetes. This places the country 11th
highest globally, while four of the top ten spots are occupied by gulf nations,
according to the International Diabetes Federation.
The increasing healthcare burden
of diabetes on the GCC region was a key focus of experts and Professor Meeran said
diabetes is a major concern in the UAE, as well as most of the GCC region.
“Diabetes in the GCC is not only about sedentary
lifestyle and poor diet but there is also a genetic factor.
“Features specific to the GCC include younger
onset, a strong association with obesity, late presentation to the health care
sector and higher rates of chronic complications.”
He emphasized that diabetes care in the region is
often affected by limited access to publicly funded health care resources and a
shortage of specialised health care professionals.
Cultural barriers between carers and patients, and
deep-rooted health beliefs also play a part, he added.
“In the Middle East there is poor awareness about
health, civil societies are less well developed, while the private sector is
poorly regulated.”
The conference explored a
cross-section of hot diabetes and endocrinology topics tabled, including
bariatric surgery.
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| ADC Conference Chairman Professor Maha Taysir Barakat, Director General HAAD opened the two day conference |
The pros and cons of
bariatric surgery for patients with advanced-state diabetes were discussed.
Meanwhile other
trending topics included thyroid disorders, renal complications, the challenges
associated with eye care and diabetes as well as diabetes in children.
Professor Meeran said that as the incidence of type 2 diabetes in
children and adolescents rises, it is increasingly important to differentiate
newly diagnosed type 1 from type 2 diabetes.
He said features suggesting the diagnosis of type 2
diabetes include increased weight, a family history of diabetes and an age of
10 and over.
“In type 1 diabetes the pancreas is
unable to produce any insulin. With type 2
diabetes a person is able to produce insulin but this is either not enough or
the body can’t use it properly.”
He recommends a number of principles to guide management of diabetes
in children.
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| Professor Karim Meeran in Advanced Diabetes Conference |
This
includes an effective insulin regimen, monitoring of glucose, flexibility
with food and as much activity as possible.
“With
children, especially those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, they need routine
and rules. They also benefit if encouraged to explore, begin to make their own
decisions and hopefully develop some independence.”
He
added that adult support is essential for success especially with pump
treatment until the child is able to manage the diabetes independently.
“Studies
in children with type 1 diabetes have demonstrated the positive effect of
patient and family education.
“The
delivery of intensive diabetes case management, and close telephone contact
with the diabetes team are associated with reduced medical emergencies and cost
to the patient.”
Professor
Meeran shared that next year’s Advanced Diabetes Conference will take place on
September 26-27 2014.
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