Diabetes 2007 presents new trends in research, prevention and management

Specialists gathered in Abu Dhabi at Diabetes 2007, a forum organised by Tadreeb in association with The Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (HAAD), Cleveland Clinic, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC) and Emirates Foundation.

The conference is part of a nationwide initiative to bring together health professionals, the community and various government organisations for the betterment of health services and health management in the UAE.

The conference keynote speaker was Dr. Zaid Al Siksek of HAAD on behalf of Dr. Ahmed Al Mazrouri, chairman of the authority.

Dr. Zaid commended Tadreeb for bringing together four local leaders in the field of medicine, research and health provision for a groundbreaking conference like Diabetes 2007.

"HAAD will continue to support such initiatives as part of its strategy to elevate health services, skills and infrastructure and to improve and increase public awareness and knowledge of health issues," added Dr. Zaid.

Dr. Adel Al Shamry, chairman of national project for health professional skill development with Tadreeb National Training, said : "We understand the need for continuous improvement and learning of the nation's professional skill development, and Diabetes 2007 provides a much needed focus on the world's fastest growing debilitating disease.

"Diabetes 2007 is a commendable attempt to bring together the public and our medical professionals alike in the move to generate a healthier community and a better tomorrow."

Dr Maha Taysir Barakat, Consultant Endocrinologist and Medical & Research Director at ICDLC has been stressing that the answer to diabetes prevention is as simple as adopting a healthy lifestyle, and the international experts agreed.

She further stressed the need for an early adoption of lifestyle changes in diet and exercise noting that the UAE is pegged as the country with the second highest percentage of diabetes prevalence in the world.

"Diabetes 2007 is a timely and appropriate conference for medical professionals in the UAE. We must all act now and anything that brings the message to the forefront of our minds is a must," she said.

The forum speakers included Dr. Charles Faiman and Dr. Robert Zimmerman of the Cleveland Clinic and specialists from the Imperial College London (ICL).

ICL's Professor Desmond Johnston, Professor Philippe Frougel and Professor Peter Server shed light on new trends in research, prevention and management of diabetes.

The one day conference, Diabetes 2007, is Tadreeb's debut into the health conference arena and forms a core platform in Tabreed's strategy to drive health professional skill development in the UAE.