An electronic device that can monitor blood sugar percentage of a patient all time - even when they are eating or sleeping, and provide them with the required doses of insulin - is one of the latest technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, an Abu Dhabi doctor told a diabetes conference.

International companies showcased the latest technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes at the 6th Annual Diabetes for Primary Care Conference which kicked off in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

Dr Mohammed Al Khatib, diabetes, endocrinology and internal medicine consultant at HealthPlus Diabetes and Endocrinology Centre in Abu Dhabi who is also the chairperson of the conference, said the advanced sugar level measuring device is attached to the patient and can monitor blood sugar percentage 24/7, also during sleep and while eating.

"The device will send results automatically to the patient's electronic file and to an insulin pump to provide the patient with required doses of insulin around the clock to keep blood sugar percentage normal. The device is also connected to a smart phone application for the patient to view his/her blood sugar percentage details," explained Al Khatib.

He noted that this technique plays an important role in protecting organs functions, like the brain, kidneys and heart from diabetes complications. "Many health experts have emphasised on the importance of weight loss to avoid diabetes and blood pressure. Scientific researches show that reducing overall weight by five to 10 per cent can prevent diabetes occurrence," said Dr Al Khatib.

The conference this year focused on the importance of providing comprehensive services in different specialties for diabetes patients, including diabetology and endocrinology, cardiology, ophthalmology, podiatry, nutrition, mental health and others.

Dr Rasha Abbas, psychiatry consultant at Danat Al Emarat Hospital and HealthPlus Diabetes and Endocrinology Centre, discussed about depression, diabetes and the mental health of patients suffering from diabetes. "International research shows that people who suffer from diabetes type 1 and type 2 have an increased risk of depression by 20 percent, and having depression increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by 60 per cent," she said.

"This shows the importance of addressing mental health issues to protect people from many diseases including diabetes."

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