H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health, touring the exhibition and poster presentation area during the Second Qatar Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Conference at Sheraton- Doha Hotel.
Advanced methods of prevention, management and treatment of most prevalent metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity were discussed over three days during a conference held in Doha.
The Second Qatar Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Conference was officially opened in the presence of Minister of Public Health, H E Dr Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari, and brought together more than 700 local and international experts.
The conference was hosted by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and the Qatar Metabolic Institute and highlighted on diabetes, obesity and metabolic and endocrine related diseases.
“Diabetes is one of the most pressing health challenges in the world today and Qatar has among the highest incidence rates globally,” said Dr Hanan. “It is imperative that we collaborate with local and international healthcare leaders and experts to find solutions and strategies to address this challenge. This conference is an opportunity to share the work being done here in Qatar to deliver population-specific improvements in health and disease outcomes, such as the establishment of the National Obesity Treatment Center at HMC.”
Topics including, prevention of diabetes, the role of diabetes education in management of diabetes, life style modification and medical management and surgical management of obesity were discussed. Six international speakers and several local experts shared their experience, and expertise.
“The conference deals with most prevalent diseases in Qatar such as diabetes, obesity and endocrine disorders. There are between 600 and 700 delegates at the event and majority of them are physicians dealing with patients. The conference aims to update physicians with the best ways of disease management as well as prevention,” Dr Mahmoud Ali Zirie, Senior Consultant and Head of HMC’s Endocrinology and Diabetes Division and Chair of the Conference’s Organizing Committee told The Peninsula.
Emphasizing on the importance of including discussion on obesity related issues Dr Ali Zirie said, “Obesity is disease and its very prevalent in the region. Obesity can increase the chance of getting diabetes, high cholesterol, blood pressure and even some types of cancer. That’s why obesity is addressed very well in the conference. A team at HMC experience and review literature, on causes, prevention and best treatment methods including bariatric surgery.”
The QDEM-2 held a pre event workshops on November 30 and the conference on Friday and yesterday at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel.
Professor Abdul-Badi Abou-Samra, Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at HMC, and QMI Director, said, “It is estimated that approximately 17 percent of the adult Qatari population currently live with diabetes.
Many of these people live with other associated complications such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, and vision impairment. These conditions not only reduce their life expectancy and compromise their quality of life but also negatively impact our health system. It is important for the medical community to meet and discuss trends, best practice, and long-term strategies for the prevention and mitigation of complications.”
QDEM-2 also saw several plenary sessions and poster presentations. Also an exhibition on the sidelines of the conference including several prominent organizations such as the Qatar Diabetic Association.
