CSH steps up efforts to raise awareness on diabetes and related risks

Canadian Specialist Hospital offers free screening and consultation as part of Diabetes Awareness Programme

Dubai, UAE, November 15th, 2014: Though undiagnosed and ill-managed diabetes is a major healthcare challenge in the Gulf region, moderate lifestyle changes and timely medical help can be highly effective in dealing with the disease and its related risks, according to doctors at Canadian Specialist Hospital (CSH), one of the leading private sector hospitals in the UAE.

The hospital will host a Diabetes Awareness Programme on Sunday, 16th of November 2014 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. inviting the public to undergo free screening for body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP) and blood sugar levels, all key indicators of diabetic conditions.

Latest statistics from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) says the UAE had 745,900 diabetics in 2013, in addition to 303,600 undiagnosed cases and 934,300 cases of impaired glucose tolerance, which implies a high probability of diabetes. 

Lack of exercise and intake of high calorie foods along with genetic factors are making GCC communities highly predisposed to diabetes but the gravity of the threat has yet to be duly recognised, said Dr. Sarla Kumari, Internal Medicine Specialist, Canadian Specialist Hospital.

“Often, people do not know they have diabetes and when left untreated, the disease can lead to varied complications - blindness, kidney damage, diabetic foot, and cardiovascular disorders. In 2013 diabetes accounted for 1,385 deaths in the UAE,” said Dr. Sarla Kumari.

In many instances the underlying diabetes is diagnosed only after the patient develops a disability, heart attack or stroke. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes worldwide, is often diagnosed late by which time high glucose content in the blood damages the nerves and blood vessels in the eyes, limbs, kidneys and heart. 

“Changes in the blood vessels in the eyes lead to diabetic retinopathy, the most common diabetic eye disease. Diabetics are also at risk of other problems such as cataracts, which are normally caused by a lifetime of sun exposure. Diabetes speeds up cataract formation,” said Dr. Raeba Mathew, Ophthalmologist, Canadian Specialist Hospital.

Symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, blurred vision, sudden weight gain and recurrent infections could be indicative of diabetes. With timely medical intervention diabetes can be prevented and patients can enjoy improved quality of life.

The hospital is also offering free specialist consultation and free diabetic retinopathy screening as part of the Diabetes Awareness Programme. 

Dr. Sarla Kumari said people in the UAE must particularly be aware of the genetic factors and habits that make them highly prone to obesity, one of the leading causes of diabetes. A recent global study revealed that 66 per cent of the men and 60 per cent of women in the UAE are overweight or obese.

“Sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits are the main culprits behind the high prevalence of lifestyle diseases in the UAE. On one hand the high purchasing power of the UAE public allows them to enjoy unlimited comforts, but healthy eating and regular exercise will ensure that we don’t have to pay a heavy price for such privileges,” added Dr. Sarla Kumari.