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HMC Diabetes Symposium Highlights Precautions When Fasting

Doha, 13 June 2011: People with diabetes are advised to take precautions when fasting in order to prevent complications of this disease. Hamad General Hospital (HGH), a member of Hamad Medical Corporation ( HMC ), conducted a Fasting and Diabetes Mellitus symposium on June 11 as part of efforts to raise awareness and encourage prevention of diabetes, which has become increasingly prevalent in Qatar as more people lean toward unhealthy lifestyles. The event was held at Doha Sheraton Hotel and was attended by diabetes specialists and other healthcare professionals.

The symposium themed "Let's Control Diabetes Now" comes as people prepare to fast in the coming Ramadan, and featured specialists who spoke on different aspects of diabetes. Dr Mahmoud Zirie, Head of the Diabetes and Endocrine Unit at HGH, spoke on new studies and guidelines for managing diabetic patients who are fasting during Ramadan, and on how diabetics can adjust their medication so they will not experience either hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

Zuhair Al Arabi, a dietician, spoke on maintaining a healthy diet during Ramadan, and gave advice regarding the preparation and consumption of traditional food, including what portions one should eat to avoid high or low blood sugar. Manal Al-Musallam from the Patient and Family Education Unit discussed how diabetics can check their blood sugar at home during Ramadan, and what to do when their blood sugar is low or high.

"We want to encourage the prevention of diabetes and lessen the number of people afflicted with this disease by educating our population on how to lead healthy lifestyles," said Dr Sara Darwish, Consultant at the HGH Diabetes/Endocrine Unit. "In Ramadan especially, people will be having difficulty in avoiding Qatari traditional foods, so we are giving them advice on how these foods can be adjusted to be healthy."

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide and is broadly divided into two types. Type 1 diabetes results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, leading to increased blood glucose. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not respond correctly to insulin, and is caused by factors such as family history and genetics, low activity level, unhealthy diet and excess body weight.

"Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent due to the sedentary lifestyles adapted by many people, as well as their diet which tend to be high-calorie, fatty foods," Dr Darwish explained.

"Persons considered at high risk of diabetes are those with a family history of diabetes, women who have previously had gestational diabetes or who delivered babies weighing four kilograms or more, and people who suffer from hypertension or obesity," said Dr Darwish. "Healthy eating habits and physical exercise are important in preventing obesity and diabetes."

Increased media focus on diabetes prevention and care has promoted early diagnosis of this disease, along with coordinated educational efforts by HMC , the Supreme Council of Health, Qatar Diabetes Association, and Primary Healthcare, which also collaborated on the symposium. The event was sponsored by Novo Nordisk.

"Novo Nordisk is a world leader in diabetes care. Our key contribution is to discover and develop innovative biological medicines and make them accessible to patients throughout the world, to help patients live better lives. We always welcome any cooperation with healthcare institutes in Qatar aiming to increase diabetes awareness and improve its management all through the year, and particularly during certain events like the holy month of Ramadan," said Essam Faragalla, Sales Executive of Novo Nordisk.

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About HMC :
Hamad Medical Corporation is the premier non-profit healthcare provider in Doha, Qatar. It was established by Emiri decree in 1979 and manages five highly specialized hospitals, namely, Hamad General Hospital, Rumailah Hospital, Women's Hospital, Al Amal Hospital and Al Khor Hospital. Since its establishment, HMC has rapidly developed medical facilities capable of providing state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of diseases that previously could only be managed in overseas medical centers.

HMC prides itself in providing quality and cost efficient healthcare for all patients regardless of nationality, in line with the State of Qatar's pledge of "Health for All". For this purpose, the Corporation implements a policy of continuous improvement of all management systems and patient care protocols. HMC 's ethos is based on three key pillars which are Health, Education and Research.

For more information, please contact:
Marketing, Media and Public Relations Department
Hamad Medical Corporation
Tel. No.: +974 4439 5272
Fax No.: +974 4439 5002
www.hmc.org.qa

© Press Release 2011