International experts on diabetes will meet in Dubai at a high level conference which will address the growing prevalence of diabetes in the UAE.

The Emirates Diabetes Congress (EDC 2009) will be held on November 7 and 8 at Grand Hyatt Dubai as part of the activities marking World Diabetes Day in the UAE.

The two-day Congress brings together the world’s best physicians and researchers with UAE-based doctors to present the latest trends and clinical trials as well as share best practices, a statement said.

The event is supported by the Emirates Diabetes Society and the Emirates Medical Association, which is a member of the International Diabetes Federation.

“We have gathered the leading experts in diabetes to help share best practices in the prevention and treatment of diabetes,” said Dr Fatheya Alawadi, congress chair - Emirates Diabetes Congress.

“Statistics from the UAE Ministry of Health (MoH) attest to the seriousness of the situation in the UAE, which must be addressed with resolve and urgency.”

The Ministry of Health estimates that one out of five people in the UAE has diabetes, and reports that diabetes-related heart problems were the biggest killer in the country in 2008, accounting for 31.6 per cent of deaths.

The disease consumes a major part of the UAE’s healthcare budget with annual spend on treating the disease touching $200 million.

Three satellite symposia bringing together experts from the US and the Europe will be the highlight of the Emirates Diabetes Congress 2009.

Workshop sessions on early detection and treatment of diabetes among the general population - pregnant women in particular - will be conducted.

Sessions on ‘obesity management,’ which is a contributory factor for the growing incidence of diabetes in the UAE, will also be part of the Congress. – TradeArabia News Service