Roche Diagnostics launches proven education programmes for diabetes management in Middle East

Dubbed 'Berger Programmes' after acclaimed German diabetologist Dr Michael Berger, Roche believes the approach offers the most comprehensive, step-by-step education process for people with diabetes and its international success will have similar results in this region.

Announced at the 1st International Conference of the Gulf Group for the Study of Diabetes (GGSD) at Arab Health 2005, the press conference was presided over by Dr. Monika Gruesser, one of the doctors who worked on the development of the Berger programmes; Arno Vogler, Head of Marketing and Market Development, Diabetes Care for International Agencies, Roche Diagnostics Germany; Ulrich Schweppe, Manager Marketing and Market Development Diabetes Care International Agencies from Roche Diagnostics, Germany as well as Dr. Mohammed Jawad, Managing Director, Promotional Office, Roche Diagnostic KSA and Anas Al Khouli, Senior Account Executive, Roche Diagnostics for Bahrain, Dubai and Qatar.

Dr. Monika Gruesser said: "Diabetes is a common yet costly disease with the risk of late complications and ongoing treatment cost of the sufferer's condition. This results in a heavy socio-economic burden either for individuals or governments across the world, and the Middle East is no different."

Education and training for people with diabetes, their family and carers are key elements in the effective management of diabetes. Continuous and targeted education increases awareness and, in turn, the quality of care that can be provided. Early education and identification of diabetic conditions drastically improves the clinical and metabolic outcomes, therefore helping to reduce the likelihood of late complications of diabetes. It also reduces the long-term costs of care and optimizes human and financial resources more effectively. "There are no known medical cures for diabetes at this time, and therefore education will be a key strategy in managing this disease in the Middle East," added Dr. Gruesser.

In 2000 alone an estimated nine million affected persons were recorded in the Middle East, which positions the region as one of the most widely affected in the world. This number is expected to increase to 25.6 million by 2030.

Roche Diagnostics Berger Programmes
In view of the challenges that sufferers and medical professionals face in the Middle East, Roche Diagnostics and partner experts have developed a comprehensive, step-by-step program, which has already been acknowledged and approved by the German Health Authorities - the Berger Programmes. With diabetes already a severe and growing problem in the GCC, governments are realizing that long-term solutions are needed to address, manage, educate and control this problem. Regionally, Bahrain showed interest and strong commitment to implement the Berger Programmes and Dr. Samir Khalfan, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, Bahrain has already suggested that this initiative will be effectively integrated into Bahrain's medical infrastructure and long-term strategy.

Arno Vogler, Head of Marketing and Market Development, Diabetes Care for International Agencies, Roche Diagnostics said; "We are very excited to be a part of the first ever GGSD and hope that today's announcement of the launch of the Berger Programmes will enable a deeper understanding and more active tackling of diabetes in the Middle East than ever before."

"The government authorities in the region are increasingly aware that diabetes education is the key to addressing incorrect information and negative stigma that the disease represents to family, friends and the society. Roche Diagnostic's support of the implementation of these innovative Berger Programmes is yet another sign of our ongoing commitment to the region and to continuously provide innovative solutions to health care professionals as well as people with diabetes," added Vogler.

The importance of this effective Berger Programmes will be further outlined by Dr. Joergens, Executive Director EASD/EFSD at the 1st International Conference of the Gulf Group for the Study of Diabetes (GGSD) as part of Arab Health on 14th February at 2:00 pm. The lecture will highlight the topic of Therapeutic Patient Education and its contribution to minimizing health risks and cost of treatment.

On the occasion of the GGSD in Dubai, Roche Diagnostics has launched new products including the Accu-Chek Go glucose meter and Accu-Chek insulin pumps. Accu-Chek Go is a new blood glucose monitor for people with diabetes who want to live life the way they want. The product will soon be available in all pharmacies in the Gulf countries. Roche Diagnostics is also in the process of introducing the Accu-Chek Spirit, an insulin pump that reflects the vision of Roche which is to provide actionable health information to support medical decsion makers and superior patient management.