The event was inaugurated by Shaikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, on behalf of his father Shaikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

Specialists gave an update on chronic diseases such as Diabetes and Endocrine disorders, Hypertension, Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular diseases related to Diabetes.

The event was organised by the Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University in association with Al Zahrawi Hospital and the AKMG RAK Chapter.

Dr Hossam Hamdy, Vice Chancellor, Sharjah University and Dr Wyatt R Hume, Provost, United Arab Emirates University, were the guests of honour.

A wide range of topics were discussed including, the National Diabetes Guidelines, Management of Hypothyroidism, Vitamin D Deficiency in the Gulf, Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Risks, Diagnosis and Management of Diabetic Retinopathy, Novel Cardiovascular Biomakers, Role in Risk Assessment, Surgical Management of Type 2 Diabetes, Diagnosis and Management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

According to the doctors, various industry research findings indicate that healthcare expenditure in the 38 million strong GCC countries is expected to grow from Dh51 billion ($14 billion) in 2008 to Dh220 billion ($60 billion) in the next two decades.

In the UAE, the proportion of nationals suffering from diabetes has reached 24 per cent, the second highest in the world. Heart diseases related to diabetes were responsible for 31 per cent of deaths in 2008.

Shaikh Saud said: “It is our endeavour to create a platform that will allow sharing of knowledge, discuss new trends and how any of these issues relate to the UAE. Besides, this platform is serving a very critical purpose: that of bringing the real world issues at the doorsteps of academia. It is the interaction of academia with the healthcare industry that will throw solutions that we can never imagine happening otherwise.”

Type 2 DM is the most common Endocrine disorder. The escalating prevalence and economic burden of Type 2 DM presents a major public health challenge to most of the developing and developed countries and UAE is not spared. Besides, surgical management of Type 2 DM was also discussed at the meet.

The other common but under diagnosed Endocrine problems are Hypothyroidism and Hypovitaminosis D. High index of suspicion is the key to diagnose and treat them as timely treatment can change the quality of life tremendously.

Like type 2 DM, Metabolic Syndrome is very common in the UAE and is again a very strong risk factor for CV events. Polycystic Ovarian disease is a syndrome complex where insulin resistance plays a key role in pathogenesis.

There can be metabolic and gynecological implications attached to it and it is also a forerunner of type 2 Diabetes.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com