Diabetes and anaesthesia seminars help the UAE medical community

A seminar on diabetes and obesity was held in Al Ain by the Al Ain Diabetes Research Group, with participation from a number of medical bodies interested in the control of diabetes. A seminar on anaesthesia was also held in Dubai, organised by the Emirates Anaesthesia Society.

"Abbott takes its responsibilities to the medical community very seriously," said Ibrahim Aql of Abbott Laboratories. "We are very pleased to support any initiatives to study and highlight medical issues."

The diabetes seminar highlighted the diagnosis and management of diabetes and obesity. " With between 15 and 20% of the UAE population suffering from diabetes, it is important that doctors and patients understand how to manage the condition," said Mr Aql.

He added that a recent four-year study in the US had conclusively proven that the onset of diabetes can be delayed, and even prevented by certain lifestyle changes.

"One of the key factors in diabetes is obesity," said John Punnose from Al Ain Hospital, Al Ain. "It is now recognised as a chronic illness, and should be treated as such. In addition to diet and exercise, useful anti-obesity medication is also now available."

The seminar was organised in association with the Emirates Diabetes Society of the Emirates Medical Association, the Preventative Medicine Dept, the Ministry of Health and Al Ain Medical District. It was attended by doctors, diabetic care providers, nurses and medical students of Al Ain University.

Abbott Laboratories also sponsored an anaesthesia seminar organised by the Emirates Anaesthesia society at Sheikh Rashid Hospital in Dubai. The scientific day, 'A New Approach to Sedation' looked at the history of sedation, and at new approaches, including Dexmedetomidine.

The seminar was addressed by Dr. Joseph Costandi, the head of the Emirates Anaesthesia Society and of the Anaesthesia department at Al Qasemi hospital in Sharjah.

"As a world leader in anaesthesia and critical care products, Abbott Laboratories was delighted to be associated with this event, and with furthering medical information in this field," said Mr. Aql.

Dr. Rex Moriase of Dubai Hospital and Dr. Linsey Berry of Tawam Hospital also addressed the seminar, which was attended by members of the Emirates Anaesthesia Society.