(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
Doha: More than 1500 healthcare professionals attended the Seventh Qatar Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic conference (QDEM-7) which was hosted by Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) Endocrine and diabetes Division, Department of Medicine, and the Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI).
The conference, held in person and online with attendees and speakers from around the world, brought together local and international experts in the fields of endocrinology, obesity, and diabetes to discuss the latest research, treatments, technological advances, and preventative measures for these conditions.
The event also incorporated the 2nd Qatar Diabetes and Obesity Research Symposium - a flagship activity of the National Diabetes Strategy, 2016-2022, and intends to promote diabetes and obesity research in Qatar.
World-renowned international, regional and local speakers presented and updated delegates on a diverse range of topics including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; Pediatric Endocrinology; Perimenopausal management; Neuroendocrine disorders and calcium and electrolytes disorders
Dr. Mahmoud Ali Zirie, Chair of the Conference's Organizing Committee and Head of HMC's Endocrinology and Diabetes Division, said the conference provided an opportunity to share the work being done here in Qatar and to deliver improvements tailored to the local population.
“This year our program focused on a range of important and emerging areas including diabetes and obesity in pediatric patients and the latest technologies available, Dr. Zirie said.“It's more important than ever that healthcare professionals have access to the most up-to-date research and information about diabetes, endocrinology and metabolic medicine.”
Professor Abdul Badi Abou Samra, Director of Qatar Metabolic Institute, said the event provided an important platform for frontline clinicians, scientists, and researchers to discuss strategies and approaches for the management and prevention of diabetes and associated conditions.
“Diabetes is a complex condition which can lead to debilitating long-term complications and acute illness. The disease in Qatar is quite prevalent with about 17 percent of Qatar's adult population thought to have diabetes. About 20 percent of Qatar's population is estimated to be pre-diabetic,” he said.
Dr. Ibrahim Al Janahi, Chair of the Scientific Committee and Senior Consultant in Endocrine and Diabetes Division said many diabetics live with other associated complications such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, and vision impairment which require additional consideration.
“It is important for the local and international medical community to meet and discuss trends, best practice, and long-term strategies for the prevention and mitigation of complications related to this disease so we can continue to provide the best care for our patients,” Dr. Al Janahi said.
Among the speakers at this year's event were Dr. Richard Quinton is a Consultant Endocrinologist at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK; Marius N. Stan, M.D., consultant in endocrinology at Mayo Clinic and Martin Savage is Emeritus Professor of Pediatric Endocrinology at William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London.