Diabetes Congress in Dubai from November 7th 2009

DUBAI — International experts are expected to address the growing prevalence of diabetes in the United Arab Emirates at the two-day Emirates Diabetes Congress (EDC 2009), which will take place in Dubai on 7 & 8th November 2009

The event, part of the activities to ‘World Diabetes Day’ in the country, The even will bring together physicians, healthcare professionals  and researchers with UAE-based doctors, to present the latest trends and clinical trials as well as share best practices.

The event is supported by the Emirates Diabetes Society and the Emirates Medical Association, which is a member of the International Diabetes Federation.

“We have gathered leading experts in diabetes to help share best practices in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Statistics from the UAE Ministry of HealthUAE Ministry of Health (MoHMoH) attest to the seriousness of the situation in the UAE, which must be addressed with resolve and urgency,” said Dr Fatheya Alawadi, Congress Chair, Emirates Diabetes Congress.

The ministry estimates that one out of five people in the UAE has diabetes, and reports that diabetes-related heart problems were the biggest killer in the country in 2008, accounting for 31.6 per cent of deaths. The disease consumes a major part of the UAE’s healthcare budget with the annual spend on treating the disease touching $200 million.

Three satellite symposia bringing together experts from the United States and the Europe will be the highlight of the Emirates Diabetes Congress 2009.

Workshops on early detection and treatment of diabetes among the general population — pregnant women in particular — will be conducted.

Sessions on ‘obesity management,’ which is a contributory factor for the growing incidence of diabetes in the UAE, will also be part of the Congress.