An innovative programme developed by Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to prevent diabetes has been recognised with seven stars from the Dubai Government Excellence Programme called Dubai We Learn. DHA succeeded in developing the Prevention is Better than Cure programme based on the best practices and benchmarking for the prevention of diabetes in collaboration with its strategic partners. This programme is considered the first of its kind in the world.
Dr Manal Taryam, CEO of Primary Healthcare Services, said the programme is a pioneering model of community healthcare to prevent diabetes in Dubai and is in line with UAE Vision, Dubai Plan 2021 and DHA strategy to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent diseases.
The programme aims to reduce the incidence of diabetes among the most vulnerable groups in Dubai by reducing
risk factors such as overweight and obesity, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, stress and smoking.
Cost of diabetes
Dr Nahed Monsef, Director of Health Affairs and leader of the Innovative Diabetes Prevention Programme, said that diabetes has a negative impact on individuals and society as well as the health sector because of the increased cost of treatment and complications. The International Federation of Diabetes reported that the average expenditure on diabetics in the UAE is estimated at Dh9.8 billion.
In addition, the percentage of those patients with diabetes is about 15.2 per cent and the percentage of people who are at risk is 15.8 per cent, according to the results of the Family Diabetes Survey of the Emirate of Dubai 2017.
DHA developed an innovative programme based on studies of the best global diabetes prevention practices as part of the efforts of the Executive Council and concerned authorities to adopt pioneering and comprehensive initiatives addressing health problems.
“We have launched lifestyle clinics in Al Barsha and Nad Al Hammar Health Centres after the success of the pilot study of happiness prescribing programmes,” said Dr Hanan Obaid, Head of Acute and Chronic Diseases Unit. “The participants achieved good rates of weight loss ranging from 7-11kg during six months of the programme. The results were achieved through a network of supervision and follow-up by physicians, health educators, dietitians and sport clubs.”
The rate of incidence of high to moderate diabetes in the next ten years decreased by 13 per cent and that of moderate to low diabetes decreased by 7 per cent among women while the rate of incidence of high to moderate diabetes decreased by 7 per cent among men.
Helping hand
Dubai Women’s Club also offered a helping hand in terms of membership and fitness and nutrition counselling for women at risk to develop diabetes.
“We are delighted with the success of the programme launched by DHA and the role of the club in supporting the programmes and initiatives aimed at women’s health and safety,” said Lamia Abdul Aziz Khan, Director of the Dubai Women’s Club.
She pointed to the positive impact of exercise and attention to balanced diet on health. By reaching the desired health goal, women would be able to reduce the risk of lifestyle-related diseases and conditions.
She stressed the club’s commitment towards playing an important role in health education aimed at encouraging girls and women of different age groups to practise sports and a lifestyle appropriate to their age. The club also provides counselling and medical advice that positively affect the role of women in the family and society.
Dubai Ladies Club is carrying out this awareness and educational role as part of its social responsibility and in cooperation with hospitals, medical centres, doctors and nutrition experts and human resources development organisations from inside and outside the country.
