Abu Dhabi diabetes conference highlights soaring incidence of the disease

The International Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Diabetes meeting draws medical experts from around the world

The International Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Diabetes stages its four-day conference in Abu Dhabi. Diabetes now affects 19 per cent of the UAE's entire population. Getty

Treatment of diabetes in young people is the subject of a four-day gathering of experts in the UAE.

The International Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (Ispad) event draws doctors from around the world to discuss advances in care for children and young adults.

The Ispad conference is the first to be held in the Middle East in its 40 years. It reflects the UAE's status as a centre for treatment, as well as the prevalence of diabetes in the region.

“Diabetes is a huge problem,” Dr Asma Deeb, the conference president, told The National on Saturday.

"The incidence is high and getting higher, with Type 2 becoming more common because of obesity,” said Dr Deeb, who is also the division chairwoman of paediatrics at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi.

Attendees will hear about the latest treatments for diabetes.

It is estimated that as many as one in five people in the UAE have diabetes, according to statistics from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and that number is expected to double by 2040.

Diabetes causes a person's blood sugar level to become excessively high and can lead to kidney failure, heart attacks, blindness, strokes and limb amputation.

Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes in the UAE, with obesity and smoking linked to the illness. Doctors also blame a sedentary lifestyle and high consumption of junk food.

They say lifestyle changes such as an improved diet and more exercise can prevent diabetes and should be widely encouraged. Regular health screenings are also encouraged.

“This is the only society that deals solely with paediatric diabetes,” said Dr Deeb. “We wanted the conference here to promote treatment and education but also the incidence here is pretty high, among the highest in the world.”

During the four-day event that started on Thursday, delegates will hear talks from specialists on examining obesity in children, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on those with diabetes and the prevalence of depression in children and adolescents with diabetes.

The event will discuss methods of treatment from broader fields of medicine, including stem cell therapies, antiviral medicine and certain cancer therapies. Big data and artificial intelligence are on the agenda, particularly wearable devices that use algorithms to deliver treatment.

“We have also added an area on patient advocacy, where representatives can express concerns about patient care and highlight gaps,” Dr Deeb said.

“The aim of the conference is to promote collaboration, to share expertise and highlight advancements.”

Foods that help to tackle diabetes - in pictures

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  People who have diabetes should eat plenty of fresh vegetables and avoid fried and sugary foods.

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  Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and helps to manage diabetes because it can lower inflammation and improve blood sugar control. Silvia Razgova / The National

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  Replacing processed foods with fresh, home-cooked meals brings many health benefits. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  Berries are beneficial for people with diabetes because they are packed with antioxidants and fibre. iStockphoto

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  Greek salads made with lettuce, onions, tomatoes and cucumbers are low in calories, high in nutrients and help regulate blood sugar levels.

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  The good fats in avocados can help you prevent diabetes complications, such as heart attacks and strokes, and help your body to use insulin more effectively.

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  Citrus fruits can lower blood sugar levels. Pawan Singh / The National

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  Walnuts can be a good snack for people with type-2 diabetes. They may help to prevent heart disease, control blood sugar levels and aid weight loss.