Nutrition management plays critical role in battle against diabetes

Clinical dieticians, diabetologists and endocrinologists from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain were told about the key role that nutrition management can play for people living with diabetes. Physicians in attendance received credits as part of the Continuing Medical Education (CME) program.

Dr. Imad El-Din Ginawi - an endocrinologist and expert on diabetes - gave a lecture on research findings, which have demonstrated the need for diabetics to achieve tight control of their blood glucose levels through a combination of controlled diet, suitable exercise plans, and frequent self-monitoring.

'Keeping blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible has been proven to delay or even prevent the onset of diabetes complications, such as eye, kidney, heart and nerve damage,' says Dr. Ginawi. 'Frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose level is the key to living a healthier life and reducing the impact on diabetes on the people of the UAE.'

New innovations demonstrated
One of the supporters of the event, Abbott Laboratories, displayed a range of products designed to help diabetics manage their condition at the event. These included Precision blood glucose monitors, state-of-the-art devices that enable sufferers to manage their condition.

In addition, the congress saw the expansion of the range of Glucerna diabetic nutrition products, designed for use under a medical supervision program in the dietary management of diabetes.

Glucerna, which is already available as a shake in the Middle East, is now available as a meal bar and/or a snack bar, in three different flavours. The Glucerna range is formulated with slow-digestion carbohydrates, to help sufferers to avoid glucose 'spikes,' and is used by diabetes sufferers around the world.