Egypt's top diabetes experts support the launch of a major patient education programme

The Announcement was made at a special press conference with Prof. Samir Helmy Asaad, Professor of Internal Medicine and Diabetes at Alexandria University and Prof. Ibrahim El-Ibrachy, Dean of the National Diabetes Institute as well as many of Egypt's top diabetes experts.

The first offering of the Diabetes Conversations programme is the unique educational Conversation Map™ tools, created by Healthy Interactions, a global leader in health education, and in collaboration with the International Diabetes Federation and supported by the MOH.

Designed for use in small groups of three to 10 patients, the Conversation Maps are 1 metre by 1.5 metre table-top visuals that foster a dialogue between diabetes patients and healthcare professionals.

The Conversation Map tools offer a distinct contrast to traditional methods of diabetes education by providing a dynamic, small group, discovery-learning experience, designed for better understanding, better self-management and better patient-healthcare professional interaction.

Prof. El-Ibrachy said:

" Egypt has one of the highest incidences of diabetes in the world, many people who have the disease are not educated about the proper ways to manage it. Patients with diabetes need to know that with slight changes to their daily routines, they can continue leading valuable and rewarding lives. The Conversation Maps provide knowledge through dialogue with healthcare providers, ultimately improving the quality of life of Egyptians."

Through this major international programme, millions of people living with and treating diabetes will gain access to this innovative resource to help them overcome the daily challenges of living with diabetes. In the Egypt, this programme is especially important given that the country has one of the highest rates per capita in the world.

The global impact of diabetes has reached epidemic proportions, personally affecting both individuals and societies at large. By 2025, the IDF projects 380 million people will be diagnosed worldwide with diabetes.1

"People with diabetes often lack the support system and understanding to fully manage their lifestyle choices while living with the daily challenges of their disease," said Ayman Hassanein , Lilly Egypt country Manager "Through this patient-focused programme, we will seek out and provide healthcare professionals with cutting edge educational resources, including proper training and materials, to help positively impact the lives of people with diabetes,"

The Conversation Map tools are designed to be culturally relevant, having been launched and customized in more than 40 countries and translated in more than 25 different languages. Trained healthcare professionals will facilitate discussions, which allow people with diabetes to explore diabetes-related health facts and discuss relevant topics in a peer setting.

To support the roll-out of the programme, Lilly will provide healthcare professionals with training free of charge to effectively conduct group sessions using the Conversation Map tools.