Tribune News Network
Doha
More than 1,500 healthcare professionals attended the Eighth Qatar Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Conference (QDEM-8) 2024 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 3rd Qatar Diabetes and Obesity Research Symposium, which is designed to achieve the future vision of preventing diabetes and its complications and improving health and quality of life in Qatar.
World-renowned international, regional and local speakers presented and updated delegates on a diverse range of topics, including advances in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, pituitary/adrenal and thyroid disorders, obesity, osteoporosis, paediatric endocrinology, genetics, as well as highlight important research initiatives on diabetes and obesity taking place in Qatar.
Dr Mahmoud Ali Zirie, chair of the Conference’s Organizing Committee and Clinical Director of National Diabetes Centre, HMC, said the conference provided an opportunity to share the important work being done here in Qatar and to deliver real results for the community.
"This year, our programme focused on a range of important and emerging areas, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes updates, genetics of diabetes in Qatar, obesity updates and the latest technologies available,” Dr Zirie said. "It’s more important than ever that healthcare professionals, both here and abroad, 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. "Qatar is at the forefront of research and treatment of this condition. Earlier this year, we opened the Qatar Diabetes Research Centre at Hamad Medical Corporation and also launched the landmark Qatar Diabetes Prevention Programme which are spearheading a personalised approach diabetes and its prevention.”
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 Janahi said. "Gatherings like Q-DEM, now in its’ eighth year, are essential.”
Among the speakers at this year’s event were Dr Douglas Ross, professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, USA; Professor William Young, Tyson Family Endocrinology Clinical professor and professor of Medicine in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, USA; Prof Francois Pattou, professor of General Surgery, Lille University, Lille, France; Prof Jodie Dodd, professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Adelaide, Robinson Research Institute, South Australia;Prof Amar Agha, consultant Pituitary Endocrinologist at Beaumont Hospital and Clinical Professor of Endocrinology at theRoyal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland.