Globally, 8.5 per cent of the population suffer from diabetes. Here in Dubai, that figure is even higher, sitting at 15.2 per cent. According to Dubai Health Authority (DHA), undiagnosed diabetes affects more than 10 per cent of the population and 18.6 per cent of Emiratis are pre-diabetic.
With such high incidences of diabetes in Dubai, many residents are affected by the disease but with the correct intervention and lifestyle choices, it can be simple to lead a full and healthy life.
Importance of early detection
Dr Muhammad Hamed Farooqi, Director and Consultant Endocrinologist, Dubai Diabetes Centre (DDC), is keen to emphasise that diabetes is a chronic disease and that early detection can significantly improve patient outcomes. “The complications are a result of the damage to the body caused by diabetes over an extended period,” he says.
“Diabetes manifests its complications through its effect on the blood vessels and this effect is cumulative. To take the example of the blood vessels in the eyes, if we catch any damage early, we can take care of it right away and the patient will not suffer any significant damage.”
Dr Abdul Jabar, Consultant Endocrinologist, Medcare Hospital, Al Safa, describes diabetes as a silent killer and underlines how, if undetected, it can have profound side effects. “If you don’t know, it can lead to complications. If diabetes destroys your kidneys, it’s irreversible. If your vision is affected, it is irreversible.”
Nevertheless, if diagnosed early enough, it can also be a manageable disease. “On the other side of the picture, if you are aware that you are either diabetic or pre-diabetic, if you take care of yourself, you can delay diabetes for many years and remain fit and healthy.”
Education and support
If you are diagnosed with diabetes, both DHA and private healthcare centres offer a number of education and support services to help you manage the disease and its symptoms. “Education plays a crucial role because you need to understand the disease and what it can do to your body,” says Dr Farooqi.
“You need to know how to adjust your lifestyle and diet. It’s also important to understand the mechanisms and actions of medications and the precautions and side effects as well as what you should be doing if you’re taking these medications. You also need to know what to do if you’re getting a low blood glucose level reaction or hyperglycaemia or if you’re planning to exercise.”
Dr Jabar believes that building a strong rapport with the patient is an important factor in encouraging people to acknowledge and understand their diabetes. “Depending on the condition of the diabetes in the patient, I give them various options.”
“If someone is well, then I tell them that they don’t have to come to me every month but they can come every three to four months and I will assess them for the symptoms that they are unable to check at home. In the meantime, they will easily be able to monitor their weight, how much exercise they’re doing and the diet they are following. If you have a glucometer, you can check your blood glucose levels several times a day.”
Managing medications and appointments
At DHA, clinics are frequently held at primary healthcare centres, hospitals and at the dedicated Dubai Diabetes Centre. The clinics are attended by consultants, dieticians, nurse educators and other specialists. “All of the team works with the diabetes patient to give them the best possible care,” says Dr Farooqi.
“At the Dubai Diabetes Centre, patients are encouraged to stay in touch with us via phone or email. They can even fax in their blood glucose readings to us using forms that they can send to us. We are also planning to have apps that they can use. We already have the Hayati app to stay in touch with doctors.”
Medcare Hospital also places a strong emphasis on helping diabetics manage their medications. “When it comes to patients taking medication, it is better to be up front and discuss the options. Many times, patients tell me that they can’t take medication at lunchtime because they are in the office. Therefore, I will find a prescription for them that they don’t have to take at lunchtime.
“However, many patients will need lunchtime medication. This is where a good rapport comes in, where I can convince them why to take their medication.”
Embracing a healthy lifestyle
According to Dr Farooqi, “A large part of the management of diabetes is lifestyle modifications. Then end goal of lifestyle modifications is to achieve a healthy weight.”
“At DHA, we have done various health awareness campaigns at different levels. We go out into the community to places such as shopping malls, Global Village, government departments and schools.
“We carry out health screenings, check blood glucose levels and we provide advice. We also distribute materials that are related to diabetes. We try to host the programmes anywhere there is a large audience.”
