Europe's top body says hormone efficiency is key to healthy lifestyle

The conference has been accredited by the Abu Dhabi Health Authority-HAAD, meaning that there are 12 CME hours up for grabs for those who take part.

Leading experts and delegates will hear how hormone efficiency is the key to a healthy lifestyle as Abu Dhabi's Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC) kicks off 2013 hosting the two-day event later this month (January).

According to Imperial College London's Professor Karim Meeran, a specialist consultant with ICLDC, although the Update is set to reveal some new case studies, the solution to diabetes is as simple as adopting a healthy lifestyle. "However many times a group of medical specialists gets together for these updates, the key to managing and even preventing diabetes remains the simple two-prong solution of embracing a balanced diet and regular exercise."

He said that the endocrine system is powerful enough to override most dietary indiscretions.

"If a normal person overeats, the pancreas will respond as best it can to overcome this and make plenty of insulin to keep the glucose level normal. Hopefully such indiscretions are occasional and the endocrine system can cope with this. However, those who overeat every day will ultimately put on lots of weight, exhaust the pancreas and eventually type 2 diabetes ensues. Exercise can prevent diabetes. To keep the endocrine system working properly, it is best to take regular exercise three times per week, and to embrace a balanced diet, which includes lots of vegetables."

Professor Meeran added that the ECU programme is designed to give a rigorous update on current clinical practice, research and thinking in the world of hormones and their role in the prevalence of diabetes and related complications.

"There is no doubt that type 2 diabetes is the most common endocrine problem peculiar to the Middle East. In fact, Dr Maha Taysir Barakat recognised this and several years ago helped create an offshoot of Imperial College London to form Imperial College London Diabetes Centre. The solution to preventing diabetes is by increasing exercise and adopting a balanced diet, and ICLDC has undertaken activities to build public awareness of these smart, simple steps."

Professor Philippe Bouchard, the President of ESE and a leading author with more than 300 published works on endocrinology under his belt, confirmed that the intensive programme is structured over 24 sessions and workshops delivered by sector experts such as the UK's Professor Peter Trainer, Professor Wilmar Wiersinga from The Netherlands and ICLDC's Medical & Research Director and Consultant Endocrinologist, Dr Maha Taysir Barakat. He said that topics will include the latest thinking on thyroid, calcium metabolism, as well as the metabolic syndrome.

"We're delighted to be holding the ESE Clinical Update Course in the UAE," said Professor Trainer. "This is our first ever meeting held outside of Europe and we hope it will serve as a platform for trainees and established endocrinologists to exchange ideas and share the challenges encountered in their respective regions. This innovative course will provide delegates with the perfect opportunity to learn more about the latest thinking across the breadth of clinical endocrinology."

The ESE Clinical Update in Abu Dhabi will run on January 11-12 2013. It is the third in an annual programme of international events providing essential training for all trainees and an update for established endocrinologists.