Thursday, Nov 22, 2012
Ajman: Health experts have again urged greater care against diabetes as the UAE becomes a “danger zone” for the disease.
They were speaking at the first Regional Conference on Diabetes and Endocrinology held at Gulf Medical University Ajman recently.
About 20 per cent of the UAE population is diabetic and the illness is responsible for a rash of complications leading to conditions such as kidney disease and foot ulcers.
The conference heard that diabetic patients should use a mirror to inspect their feet everyday, especially between toes and pressure areas.
A health official had earlier said 25 per cent of all diabetics in the UAE end up with foot ulcers — and one in five of them need an amputation.
Patients must also have their feet checked by a physician during clinic visits to avoid developing the debilitating complications of ulcer and gangrene which lead to amputations.
“UAE in particular and the Gulf region in general is rated as most potential danger zone for diabetes, unless more awareness and prevention programmes are held,” Dr Abdul Razzak Al Madani, Chairman of Emirates Diabetes Society, said during the conference.
He stressed a lifestyle change inclusive of diet and exercise as a way of combating Type 2 diabetes.
More than 200 doctors attended the event, hosted by GMC Hospital and Gulf Medical University. The chief guest of the conference was Thumbay Moideen, Founder-president of the Board of Governors, Gulf Medical University.
The conference was organised as part of International Diabetes Day which is observed on November 14.
Staff Report
Gulf News 2012. All rights reserved.
