Renowned diabetologists and healthcare professionals attend International Abu Dhabi Diabetes Congress

Abu Dhabi Hosts Inaugural Congress 12 - 14 March 2010

The 1st International Abu Dhabi Diabetes Congress kicked off today with over 500 of the leading diabetologists and healthcare professionals from around the world in attendance.

The Congress opened with keynote lecture from leading diabetologist Dr James Meigs, of Harvard University, USA, who addressed the issues surrounding the identification and prevention of diabetes mellitus. Further debate ensued throughout the day with lectures from specialists across the UAE, Europe and the USA, covering the different topics around diabetes.

H.E. Engineer Zaid Al Siksek, CEO of HAAD said: "We are delighted with the turnout for the congress, and are confident that the opportunity to hear and speak with the world's leading diabetologists, will provide essential knowledge transfer for all attendees, especially those from the UAE that face a huge challenge in reducing the burden of diabetes within our community. We, as the Health Authority recognize diabetes as our top public health priority and are putting our full resources into tackling this condition. The 1st International Abu Dhabi Diabetes Congress is just one of many things we are doing to assist our healthcare professionals in dealing with this endemic problem."

Sunday's congress will open with a keynote lecture from Professor Edwin Gale of Bristol University, UK who will address insulin therapy. Other lectures will include Diabetes in Childhood and Pregnancy, the treatment of Type II diabetes and the latest research that addresses the quality of care and treatment for patients.

According to latest research, The UAE has the second highest levels of diabetes in the world, with over 20% of people in the region suffering from this life threatening disorder. Prevalence of diabetes for the region is similar between men and women; however, percentages are slightly higher in men under 60 years and women over 60 years. (Wild et al. 2004) As the population grows in the UAE these figures are expected to increase further still.

The 1st International Abu Dhabi Diabetes Congress is an opportunity for healthcare professionals across the world and particularly the UAE, to observe and share best practice.