Some of the most experienced diabetes specialists from across the Middle East recently met in Abu Dhabi at a two-day brainstorming and knowledge sharing session aimed at raising awareness of type 2 diabetes in the region.

Known as DEVOTED, the initiative also supports the significant efforts that are currently being made to tackle this epidemic in the region.

By ensuring the availability of essential information, disseminating training to enhance key diagnosis and treatment skills, and, actively encouraging debate on the topic, DEVOTED aims to empower policy makers, physicians, healthcare providers and patients to work in the best interests of the region and help lessen the impact of the diabetes epidemic.

Dr Abdulrazzaq A Madani, consultant endocrinologist and head of Emirates Diabetes Society (EDS) described the think tank as a positive and practical way forward.

"Any kind of program to raise awareness for diabetes is to be commended, but here we have a great meeting of medical and ethical minds who, I am sure will make a significant contribution to managing this disease, which is now affecting around one in five Emiratis,” Dr Madani said.

"To adopt this approach of exploring new avenues of education is a great initiative. It's a very proactive, very hands-on and very astute way of getting the points across,” he added.

“It takes a lot of effort to make the information available, but it only becomes valuable when it is shared.”

“We need more involvement, more initiatives and an even greater effort to achieve better results," Dr Madani said.

The assembly reviewed current strategies and address optimum ways for countries to implement new awareness methods, including leveraging politicians and other key opinion leaders.

Dr Abdullah Ben Nakhi, head of the Kuwait Diabetes Society said: "Diabetes is largely preventable and certainly manageable with the right advice, and we all have a responsibility to try to provide that advice.”

“Nearly one in six of my countrymen are afflicted with this disease and it is not just them who suffer. This affects whole families and communities and we have to make a difference, we have to inform and educate,” he added.

Health editors and reporters from the Levant, Egypt and the GCC shared latest diabetes information, views and concerns, with key diabetes experts in the region.

Dr Mohmoud Fikree, CEO for health policies and head of National Board for Diabetes Control, UAE Ministry of Health, said: “It is fundamental to join forces with the media and emphasize the urgency of placing diabetes at the top of the health agenda in order to gain a better standard of care in the Middle East.”

“The members of the press are the knowledge base of our community; they have the power to steer our society to greener and healthy pastures. I thank them for their interest, support and enthusiasm in helping our community fight diabetes,” he added.

The initiative is endorsed by the UAE Ministry of Health, the Emirates Diabetes Society, the Kuwait Diabetes Society, and organised by leading pharmaceutical company Sanofi-aventis Middle East. – TradeArabia News Service