Dh250,000 grant will aid research into diabetes among pregnant women

Biochemistry professor’s research promotes idea of earlier blood tests to decrease complications in childbirth.

Dr Kadayam Gomathi of Gulf Medical University in Ajman is researching risk predictors in pregnant women with diabetes through a grant from the Al Jalila Foundation. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

AJMAN // A Dh285,000 medical research grant from Al Jalila Foundation is helping improve the chances of a strong start in life for babies born to diabetic mothers.

Dr Kadayam Gomathi, a biochemistry professor at the Gulf Medical University, in Ajman, has been researching risk predictors of gestational diabetes mellitus among UAE women. If left untreated, it can cause seizures or stillbirth.

The condition affects up to 10 per cent of the population in areas with high incidence of diabetes, such as the UAE, which is ranked 16th worldwide, according to the International Diabetes Federation.

Risk factors are mostly related to obesity and physical inactivity, with 19 per cent of the UAE population living with diabetes.

Oversized babies are a common factor in women with the problem, creating delivery complications and a risk of hypoglycaemia, or low blood glucose, after birth.

Diabetes checks are routinely done in pregnancy at 24 and 28 weeks.

Dr Gomathi’s work involves a blood test at 11 to 13 weeks that could identify diabetes earlier, allowing for better control and a decrease in complications. The results are being analysed and disseminated to medical professionals in UAE and around the world.

She is now encouraging others from the UAE to apply for the latest round of Al Jalila Foundation funding for this year to help create a medical legacy locally.

“More research specific to the region is needed, but few agencies fund medical research in the UAE,” said Dr Gomathi.

“I would definitely encourage others to apply for funding to carry out more research relevant to the region. The UAE is still growing in terms of scientific and medical research.

“Since the UAE is now encouraging science in schools, I expect this to bear fruit with more Emirati researchers.”

Her two-year study began in January with the funding paying for testing kits for parents taking part to do so for free. The money also paid for a research assistant.

Researchers can apply for seed grants of up to Dh300,000, offering opportunities to investigate regional health issues.

The grants are available to all nationalities, provided research is conducted in the UAE. Applicants should hold positions at local universities, research institutions or hospitals. They are assessed through an international peer review process.

Prof Sehamuddin Galadari, a research adviser at the Dubai-based Al Jalila Foundation, hopes more Emiratis will apply for grants.

“We want people to come forward who are keen to address significant issues in the five areas: cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and mental health,” he said.

“Anyone who applies and convinces the advisory committee of their research, we would like to support. We are sowing the seed for the individual, and the future of the foundation.”

Last year, more than Dh4 million was assigned to 15 research funding schemes and one international medical research fellowship.

It included research teams from UAE University, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Gulf Medical University, University of Sharjah, New York University Abu Dhabi, Zayed University and Latifa Hospital.

Dr Abdulkareem Al Olama, the foundation’s chief executive, said: “By supporting talented academics, Al Jalila Foundation is building on our mission to change lives by laying the foundations for a biomedical research environment here in the UAE.”

For more information, visit www.aljalilafoundation.ae.