• M42’s ICLDEC & HealthPlus Diabetes and Endocrinology Center engaged a record-number of people across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra
• 18 major community, corporate and government activations delivered early detection
• Free health screenings and expert sessions reached frontline organisations including Mubadala, Aldar, Daman, Modon, HCT, Central Bank of the UAE and Abu Dhabi Police
• 1,000+ healthcare professionals attended the 3rd Annual Diabetes and Endocrine Conference, strengthening regional clinical expertise
• 600+ people joined the Diabetes Awareness Run at Zayed Sports Stadium, driving momentum for active living
• 13 children living with diabetes had wishes granted through Make-A-Wish collaboration

Diabetes Awareness Month took on new meaning across the emirate this year, as nearly 4,000 people engaged with M42’s Imperial College London Diabetes & Endocrine Centre (ICLDEC) and HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center through one of the UAE’s most comprehensive, community-driven diabetes initiatives to date.

Across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, specialist teams from ICLDEC, Moorfields, and HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center activated a month-long campaign that brought early detection, specialist education, and meaningful community support directly into workplaces, schools, majlis gatherings, and public spaces. The initiative reached leading corporates such as Mubadala, Aldar, Daman, the Higher Colleges of Technology, Central Bank of the UAE and Abu Dhabi Police.

Through free screenings, expert-led awareness sessions, medical conferences, community events, and family-focused activities, the initiative created impactful moments of engagement, helping individuals understand their risk, supporting people living with diabetes, and empowering families to take control of their health.

The campaign not only raised awareness but also mobilised communities at scale, reinforcing the critical role of prevention, education, and early intervention in reducing the national diabetes burden.

The initiative extended beyond health checks. It sparked conversations, strengthened community bonds, and delivered joy through special activations such as a Make-A-Wish collaborations for paediatric patients, transforming a clinical topic into a movement centered on compassion, prevention, and community wellbeing.

By integrating clinical expertise with community-driven outreach, the programme showcased M42’s commitment to reshaping the future of personalised, proactive, and preventive health across the UAE.

Dr. Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Outpatient Care, M42, said: “Diabetes Awareness Month provides an important opportunity for us to engage directly with communities, raise awareness around early detection, and support healthier living. By delivering comprehensive screenings, educational activations, and public events, we are helping individuals better understand their health and empowering families across the emirate to take proactive steps in diabetes prevention and management.” 

Reinforcing their commitment to advancing clinical knowledge, the centres also supported major regional medical events throughout the month. The 3rd Annual Diabetes & Endocrine Conference welcomed more than 1,000 attendees over two days, facilitating scientific exchange and professional learning. ICLDEC physicians chaired and participated in the 7th UAE Obesity Conference, contributing to broader discussions on obesity and metabolic health in the region.

Community engagement remained a central pillar of the month’s initiatives. On 23 November, ICLDEC and HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, in partnership with Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC), hosted the Diabetes Awareness Run at Zayed Sports Stadium in Abu Dhabi, attracting more than 600 participants to promote active living and raise awareness of diabetes prevention. Complementing these efforts, Family Fun Days were held in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain for staff and paediatric patients, featuring football, “bike your juice,” canvas painting, face painting, and other interactive activities designed to promote awareness in an engaging, family-friendly environment.

As part of Diabetes Awareness Day on 14 November, the centres partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant wishes for 13 pediatric patients living with diabetes. The initiative added a deeply personal dimension to the month’s activities, bringing joy and meaningful support to young patients and their families. 

Dr. Muhaned Attaulah, Senior Director of Clinical Operations, Outpatient Care, M42, said: “Our work throughout Diabetes Awareness Month reflects our broader mission to support individuals and families affected by diabetes. From clinical outreach to community events and collaborations with partners such as Make-A-Wish, every initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to improving lives and reducing the impact of diabetes across the UAE.” 

The collective impact of the month-long campaign positions M42’s ICLDEC and HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center as leading drivers of national diabetes awareness, prevention, and long-term health transformation. 

The event was held at the centre’s premises in the presence of representatives from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, Ms. Muna Al Jaber, Board Member of Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Ms. Noha El Shourbagy, Chief Operating Officer of the Foundation, along with a group of physicians, specialists, and the children’s families.

The granted wishes varied between the latest electronic devices, interactive games, and travel experiences, in an atmosphere filled with joy that delighted the children and their families, embodying the Foundation’s mission of spreading hope and bringing smiles to young patients’ faces.

Muna Al Jaber extended her sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development for its continuous support and noble efforts in enabling the Foundation to grant children’s wishes and bring happiness to their hearts. She emphasized that this support reflects the spirit of giving and social responsibility that characterizes the nation’s institutions and contributes to creating a real and lasting humanitarian impact.

In her remarks on the occasion, Al Jaber expressed the Foundation’s pride in participating in this humanitarian event, saying:

"At Make-A-Wish Foundation, we believe that every child deserves a moment of happiness that lights their path with hope. We are delighted to celebrate World Diabetes Day alongside our partners at the Imperial College London Diabetes and Endocrine Center, the HealthPlus Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development - united by a noble humanitarian goal to support our young patients and enable them to experience moments filled with joy and positivity.

She added that since its establishment, the Foundation has granted more than 1,600 wishes for children with diabetes from over 80 nationalities around the world, stressing that the Foundation’s humanitarian mission continues, thanks to the tremendous support of partners and sponsors who believe in the value of giving and its positive impact on society.

For his part, H.E. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, affirmed that this event aligns with the Fund’s strategic approach to supporting community initiatives. He noted that the Fund’s participation reflects its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with various supporting institutions to promote social solidarity and shared responsibility among community members. He added that the Fund places special importance on initiatives related to children’s health, as supporting them is a vital step toward achieving noble humanitarian goals and providing opportunities that offer hope for a brighter future.

Dr. Mai Al Jaber, Chief Executive Officer of Outpatient Clinics at M42—which includes both the Imperial College London Diabetes and Endocrine Centre and the HealthPlus Diabetes and Endocrinology Center—stated:

"At M42, our mission goes beyond providing world-class healthcare; it is about instilling hope and improving quality of life. We are extremely proud of our partnership with Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development in bringing joy to children living with diabetes. Our physicians witness daily the courage and resilience of these young patients. Seeing their smiles today reminds us that compassion and care lie at the heart of everything we do.

The event concluded with heartfelt moments of pride and gratitude, as Make-A-Wish Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to granting more wishes for children of various backgrounds and nationalities, in alignment with the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership to position the country as a beacon of goodness, humanity, and generosity.

Through a rich, two-day scientific program blending clinical depth with hands-on learning, the 3rd Annual Diabetes & Endocrine Conference delivered an unparalleled platform for advancing clinical expertise. The first day focused on practical diabetes management, featuring sessions on paradigm shifts in Type 2 Diabetes treatment, new approaches to obesity care, and updates on diabetic retinopathy. The day culminated in a lively debate on bariatric surgery and its evolving role in obesity management, alongside parallel workshops that brought real cases from Type 1, Type 2, Pituitary, and Thyroid Clinics to life, allowing delegates to apply insights directly to complex patient scenarios.

The second day expanded into key areas of endocrinology, exploring precision medicine in diabetes, genetics, poly-cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) management, and bone health. Sessions also highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven decision-making in personalising endocrine and metabolic care. The program concluded with discussions on cardiometabolic disease management and innovative therapies addressing dyslipidemia and osteoporosis, reinforcing the conference’s multidisciplinary approach and its newly broadened focus on endocrine health.

Prof. Amir H. Sam, Conference Chair and Head of Imperial College School of Medicine, said: “This conference highlights the power of shared expertise and multidisciplinary collaboration in advancing diabetes and endocrinology. By bringing together leading minds from diverse fields and across the globe, we are transforming cutting-edge research into meaningful clinical impact, and fostering a worldwide community dedicated to improving patient care through innovation and education.”

The spirit of collaboration and continuous learning resonated strongly among attendees, many of whom emphasised the event’s tangible impact on their professional development. One participant, Dr. Mariam Al Hosani, Family Medicine Consultant, commented: “What stood out most was how practical and interactive the sessions were. The case-based workshops and peer-to-peer exchanges brought complex scenarios to life, equipping us with practical tools and strategies we can immediately apply in patient care.”

Another delegate, Richard Flanagai, Nurse Manager, said: “The conference offered an incredible opportunity to connect cutting-edge research with clinical practice. The depth of discussion around emerging therapeutics, AI integration, and real-world data applications provided invaluable insights that will directly inform and strengthen diabetes care.”

The 3rd Annual Diabetes & Endocrine Conference concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and collaboration, uniting the world’s healthcare community in advancing the standards of diabetes and endocrine prevention, management, and patient care. As part of Diabetes Awareness Month, M42 and its network will continue to engage the wider community through a series of public health initiatives, including the Annual Diabetes Walk, scheduled to take place from 6:00am on Sunday, November 23 at Zayed Sports City. Members of the public are encouraged to take part and join healthcare professionals in raising awareness, promoting active living, and supporting the shared goal of reducing the impact of diabetes across the UAE.

However, there is still a long way to go in terms of raising awareness on risk factors, prevention strategies, and the crucial role of regular screenings when it comes to early detection.

Cervical cancer primarily stems from the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that can silently infect your body for several years before potentially evolving into cancer over time. While HPV infection is widespread, only a fraction of cases progress to cervical cancer.

There are different types of cervical cancer, says Dr Neha Gami, Specialist in Obstetrics & Gynecology at HealthPlus Family Health Center.

“The cervix has glands as well as squamous tissue. Cancer can start from glands or from the squamous cells, but the more common one is the squamous cell carcirnoma, which is primarily caused by an HPV infection.”

Some of the signs to be on the lookout for involve blood mixed in vaginal discharge, she adds.

“Symptoms can also include bleeding after contact with your partner. In advanced stages of cervical cancer, it can affect your bladder, kidney, etc. But that’s a very, very late stage. The earliest symptoms of precancerous changes can go on for about 10-15 years before you actually develop cancer.

That could include bloody discharge and discomfort too, or sometimes there are no symptoms at all. And that’s why it’s important to go for screening for cervical cancer, because most women will be asymptomatic before they actually develop precancerous or cancerous changes.”

In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Health recommends all women between 25 to 65 years of age to do a Pap smear every three to five years. The same protocol is followed in most countries across the world, with some recommending screenings at 21 years, or at least every three years since you have a partner.

While cervical cancer is not known to have any genetic factor, there are several risk factors including persistent HPV infection and of course, lifestyle factors such as smoking, a compromised immune system from other autoimmune conditions, long-term use of birth control, early marriage and childbirth, multiple partners and such.

As leaders, HealthPlus Family Health Center brings the best of science and technology to champion early detection, with Dr Neha elaborating, “In terms of screening, we offer Pap smears as well as an HPV virus testing. The HPV virus tests provides very useful added information to decide which women are at high risk or otherwise.

We also have the latest and commonly used HPV vaccine, which protects against nine types of HPV viruses. The best age to administer it is before 15 years but can be done even up to 26 years of age.”

A lesser-known fact might be the availability and recommendation of the HPV vaccine for young boys. While the school health programmes have not incorporated them in yet, Dr Neha suggests, “It is available and even boys can take the vaccine, which will help prevent them from contracting or transmitting the virus.”

On the treatment front, if somebody tests positive for a Pap smear or HPV test, or presents alarming signs, a colposcopy is conducted, she says on the process of diagnosing and treatment.

“A colposcopy is a procedure in which we actually look at the cervix. We identify the areas of change and then based on our training and experience tell you whether these are early, advanced or cancerous changes. Based on that, a biopsy is taken, which is the final way to diagnose if a person has pre cancer or cancer.”

Fortunately, data from the UAE in recent years shows the awareness campaigns run by the government, including the vaccine program since 2008, have left a positive impact.

“The numbers [mortality rate] are going down. And one of the main factors is regular screenings and early detection. And obviously we have more advanced radiotherapy techniques plus treatment modalities as well. Surgery has also progressed from open surgeries; we can now even do the surgeries laparoscopically. That improves the survival and the longevity of the patient,” she says.

With most insurances in the UAE inclusive of Pap smears, as Dr Neha succinctly puts it, “No woman should ever have to die from cervical cancer in today’s times.”

In just two decades, the number of people living with diabetes has skyrocketed, and experts predict that by 2045, over 700 million people will be diagnosed.

“The increase in diabetes is largely driven by lifestyle factors, particularly rising obesity rates,” she explains. Diabetes comes in different forms, the most common being Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes predominantly affects younger individuals under the age of 20, where the pancreas fails to produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 per cent of cases, whereby the body becomes resistant to insulin, failing to use it effectively.

Detecting diabetes early is crucial, as unmanaged blood sugar can lead to severe complications.

“One-third of people with diabetes are undiagnosed,” Dr Hala says. “The issue is that diabetes can silently cause damage before it’s discovered, leading to complications like heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, or even blindness.”

Screening is recommended, particularly for individuals over 30 in the UAE, or earlier if other risk factors, such as family history, obesity, PCOS or a history of gestational diabetes are present.

“We work with a team that includes dietitians, podiatrists, and cardiologists to monitor for any complications. Regular foot exams, cardiovascular assessments, and nutritional guidance are all part of a well-rounded care strategy,” Dr Hala explains.

“Patients should be screened for eye complications annually, as diabetes can affect the small blood vessels in the retina, potentially causing blindness,” she advises.

A urine test to check for proteins should also be done at least once a year to monitor kidney function.

The technological advancements in diabetes management have been game-changing, to say the least.

“Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has revolutionised how we monitor blood sugar levels,” Dr Hala shares.

These sensors when placed on the skin, provide real-time glucose readings, allowing doctors to analyse trends and adjust treatment plans.

“CGM helps us track sugar levels throughout the day, highlighting how diet and activity affect glucose. Additionally, insulin pumps, particularly closed-loop systems, are now available, mimicking the pancreas by delivering insulin as needed. These pumps simplify life for people with type 1 diabetes or those on insulin therapy, making diabetes management more seamless,” she says.

These innovations have made living with diabetes more manageable and offer hope for better control and fewer complications. Even as the world embraces these new technologies, the focus at HealthPlus remains on empowering patients to take control of their health and live fuller, healthier lives.

For diabetics or even pre-diabetics, Dr Hala has some general wellness tips to keep you healthy – and maybe even potentially reverse your condition!

• Losing five to 10 per cent of body weight will help reduce insulin resistance.
• Avoid foods that are high in calories, sugar and sweetened beverages. Maintain a food diary
• Increase daily activity, be active at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week with resistance training exercises at least twice
• Try to eat at regular times.
• Don’t go longer than five hours without eating
• Having a well-balanced diet is very important. Half of the plate should be vegetables, one-fourth carbohydrates and one-fourth protein
• Always read labels, because sugar is present in different food items in the supermarket in the form of honey, high fructose corn syrup, maple syrup, etc.
• Limit alcohol intake, avoid smoking, increase fibre intake

Since its introduction in 1965 by the International Council of Nurses (ICN), the day has become a global call to value the nursing profession, which serves as a pillar of healthcare and a foundation for healthier, more resilient societies.

On the occasion of International Nurses Day, nurses in Abu Dhabi shared with Aletihad what their profession means to them.

For Sara Alkuwaiti, a nurse at Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, nursing is about rebuilding trust, being a source of comfort and guidance, and reassuring every patient that they are in safe hands.

“Being a nurse is not just a profession — it is a lifelong commitment to care, compassion, and community. I’m proud to serve my country by supporting patients on their journey to better health every day,” she told Aletihad.

Alya Alhammadi, a nurse at HealthPlus, echoed the sentiment. To Alhammadi, every patient interaction is both a responsibility and a privilege, rooted in dignity, personal care, and compassion.

“Nursing allows me to make a difference in people’s lives, one patient at a time. As an Emirati nurse, I feel honoured to represent the strength and empathy of our nation’s caregivers,” she told Aletihad.

Mark McCarthy, an Irish nursing manager at the Multidisciplinary Simulation and Life Support Centre, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “The UAE has given me the chance to grow as a nurse and as an educator. After 20 years in this profession, I have seen how much healthcare continues to evolve, and being in a place that invests in training and innovation makes a real difference. Through simulation, we prepare caregivers for the realities of clinical care by giving them a safe space to practise, learn and improve.

McCarthy noted that education is essential for patient care and nursing in the UAE was based on trust, competence, as well as teamwork.

Also, Queen Folawiyo, an Irish senior shift leader at the Neurology/Pain Management Clinic and Chair of the Ambulatory Coordinating Council at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said being a nurse in the UAE is both a privilege and a responsibility. 

“This country has created an environment where nurses are empowered to lead change, drive quality, and shape the future of healthcare. My journey has shown me that nursing goes far beyond clinical tasks, it’s about listening, advocating, solving problems, and lifting others up every day," Folawiyo said.

"In the UAE, the opportunities to grow, to lead, and to make a difference are real. And I am proud to be part of that journey.”

Nurses Strengthen Economies

This year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies”, serves as a reminder that supporting nurses is not only essential for patient care but also for the strength and stability of national economies. In its latest report, the ICN said that “investing in employee health could unlock $11.7 trillion in global economic returns”. 

The report also cited research showing that a 1% increase in nurse density correlates with a 0.02% increase in life expectancy. And with each additional year of life expectancy, countries exhibited a corresponding 2.4% increase in economic growth.

However, both the ICN and the WHO warn in their reports of a worsening global nursing shortage. The WHO came out with its latest “State of World’s Nursing” report on Monday, with the UAE chairing its launch in the Eastern Mediterranean region. According to the report, the world was already short by approximately 5.8 million nurses in 2023, and by 2030, 89% of the shortage will be borne by low- and lower-middle-income countries.

The ICN report added that an additional 30 million nurses will be required to meet future healthcare demands.

“We cannot and would not want to envision a world without nurses. We must take action to diminish the threats to safe, supportive, and healthy working conditions that will attract future nurses and retain the dedicated nurses who are key to healthier communities, responsive societies, thriving economies, and powerful nations,” Dr. Pamela Cipriano, ICN President, said in the report.

In response, the ICN has put forward its “Caring for Nurses Agenda”, a seven-point action plan addressing urgent areas such as fair pay, safe staffing levels, workplace safety, career progression, and mental health support.

Meanwhile, the WHO called on countries to scale up the nursing workforce “by expanding education and training capacity, increasing jobs for nurses in the health system, improving working conditions and strengthening leadership and governance”.

Alongside festive cheer, winter brings in either immense work or enormous amounts of indulgence. And one thing that easily gets put on the back burner is your health. Trips to the doctor are pushed off until the New Year, where they get lumped in with the all-time favourite New Year activity… … making resolutions!

From travelling the world to eating healthily, there is no end to the fantastical promises we make to ourselves. However, the tale is as old as time, and hardly any resolutions survive past January. If you think about it, it is not doing the initial groundwork of establishing support and putting some accountability into place that might be to blame.

For starters, make it fun. And when it comes to health, get the entire family involved. Right from asking the little ones what they would like to do, to evaluating your own needs, it keeps everyone both responsible and answerable to one another.

According to Dr Samina Ahmad, Consultant, Family Medicine and Medical Director for HealthPlus Family Centers, overall wellness should be the focus. That of course, includes, “good physical and mental health. Sleep, exercise, and nutrition are the three pillars that support physical wellness. And of course, avoiding or learning to deal with stress.”

In an era where information comes from social media, exercising vigilance when it comes to healthcare is also extremely imperative. With so many videos telling you the best way to live a healthy life, keep an eye out for how much of it is medically reviewed. And even then, consult with your doctor first.

The doctor says there are certain things to keep in mind while at a routine check-up. “You must enquire about your BP, weight and BMI, especially if there has been a change in any of these. That aside, you should also regularly conduct Cancer Screenings, Blood Tests, Age-Related Exams, and Counseling for a Healthy Lifestyle.

With all the fundamentals covered, there is one family member that needs some extra attention alongside love. The littlest adorable ones, according to Dr Carla Slaba, Specialist, Pediatrics, HealthPlus Family Center – Al Bandar, are where you will have to make some of your most informed decisions.

Parents, both new and old, tend to walk a fine line between caregiving and paranoia when it comes to babies. So easing up might be a good resolution.

That said, picking the right pediatrician is a good place to start. Given that they might be overseeing the formative years of your child, there’s a lot to consider; perhaps most importantly – location. Whether you like it or not, the resolution chart for babies will definitely feature doctor visits. And the first one should be within five days of delivery.

Dr Carla adds: “After the initial check-up, your doctor may schedule a one-month appointment. Then at least every two months up until they are six months old. After that, it is quarterly visits until 18 months, and then half-yearly until the baby is 30 months old. Post this, wellness checks will be scheduled annually.”

Resolve to treat each check-up as a platform for all your questions. From the baby’s growth, feeding habits and developmental timeline, it is a complete physical examination.

“During this visit, you will get answers to many questions about your baby such as how long they should sleep, what to do about the crying, how often the poops should be, etc.,” Dr Carla elaborates.

By putting appointment-relevant incentives in place such as fines for defaulters, and possibly putting your children in charge – a health-focused resolution can also provide quality time for the family. And that definitely sounds like a good way to ring in 2025.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; November 5, 2024: Experts in the field of diabetes converged in Abu Dhabi for the 7^th annual “Diabetes for Primary Care” conference, hosted by HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, a Mubadala Health partner, on Saturday, November 5, 2022.

The one-day conference, under the theme, “At the Heart of Diabetes”, was launched by H.E. Alexander Schonfelder, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the UAE and Dr. Mohammed Al-Khatib, Conference Chairman, and Medical Director Consultant, Internal Medicine, Endocrinology & Diabetology, HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, Abu Dhabi.

H.E. Alexander Schonfelder, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the UAE, said: “It’s a pleasure to be here today to open the discussion on global trends in diabetes and related technologies. The UAE has shown tremendous progress in the healthcare sector over the last decade. As the cooperation between Germany and the UAE continues to grow, it is proof of the strong relationship our two countries hold.”

Emphasizing the need to tackle the alarming rise of the chronic disease, the conference attendees, made up of local, regional and global diabetes experts, engaged in a series of sessions. These sessions were designed to guide the medical community to drive awareness and education to tackle some of the contributing factors accelerating the prevalence of diabetes across the UAE and the wider region.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Khatib, Conference Chairman, and Medical Director Consultant, Internal Medicine, Endocrinology & Diabetology, HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, Abu Dhabi, said:

“As we’re seeing an upward global trend in the prevalence of diabetes, and with the region prone to these lifestyle diseases, the conference could not have come at a more critical time. The HealthPlus “Diabetes for Primary Care” conference aimed to shed light on the latest guidelines, research and technologies in the field of diabetes. It also served as a platform to help the healthcare community understand the impact the pandemic has had on people’s lifestyles and on their health; particularly as, we’ve seen a rise in younger diabetic patients diagnosed, something that we’ve not seen to this scale before. As we continue to tackle one of the most pressing issues in this field, it is essential for the medical community to urge people to focus on their health.”

The conference agenda covered pressing issues from the field of diabetes including obesity and metabolics, remission, vision management, burden and risks associated with bariatrics and addressing dyslipidemia, one of the major cardiovascular side-effects of diabetes. The conference also discussed the role nutrition plays in managing diabetes in its early stages, the latest guidelines and technologies in managing the disease, as well as areas of research that can help discover the future outlook of this chronic disease.

Speaking on type 2 diabetes post bariatric – remission, burden and risks, Dr. Hazem Al Momani, Head of Surgery and General Surgery Consultant at Danat Al Emarat Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE, said:  “Diabetes and obesity is becoming a disease of the young. We know that with early onset obesity, the likelihood of developing diabetes increases at a younger age. This tells us that the health and sustainability of our society is dependent on us investing in the young.”

Professor Dominik Bergis, Medical Director, Diamedicum Wuerzburg, Germany said: “Today’s event is important to show what’s possible in the management and treatment of diabetes. This includes discussing the latest technologies and something we’ve always dreamed of in diabetology call a “closed loop”; which we’re now starting to implement into patients’ daily practices to help them improve their diabetes control and management.”

Body Wise empowers People of Determination to lead healthier lives, in line with Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination 2020-2024, by providing weight management support where they will receive nutrition guidance and ongoing advice and care tailored to their health needs. In its initial stages, the programme will focus on the Special Olympics UAE Athletes participating in the World Winter Games in Kazan 2022 to prepare them for the games. Studies on health challenges faced by UAE Special Olympics athletes in 2020 have shown that 42.5% struggle with obesity, while 37.5% are considered overweight and 9% as underweight.

His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE said, “We are delighted to collaborate with HealthPlus Network of Specialty Centers in Abu Dhabi on the launch of this program, as the health of People of Determination is a priority, and we measure our success by the strength of their wellbeing and by providing all that is necessary to ensure it.”

He added, “Each participant in the program will receive a precise individualized medical plan by HealthPlus physicians and dietitians based on a series of medical assessments and full understanding of their medical history. Follow up visits with HealthPlus will also be organized throughout the 2 years. Holistic care and consistent guidance will ensure that they are able to follow through with the habits and dietary changes they have learned in order to maintain optimal health after completing the program. We have confidence in the determination and perseverance of the Athletes to achieve their goals with the support of their families, expert caregivers and all our collective efforts.”

Mr. Majd Abu Zant, CEO of UEMedical said, “UEMedical is proud to have partnered with Special Olympics UAE to provide integrated, comprehensive and high-quality care for the Athletes at HealthPlus Network of Specialty Centers across Abu Dhabi. Such partnerships come in line with the nation’s strategy to empower people of determination, and we are delighted to play a role in serving this important segment in the community. Abu Dhabi has made great strides in empowering and integrating people of determination into society, and unleashing their capabilities to be active and an effective pillar in the community.”

He pointed out that the "Body Wise" program, which will last for two years, will focus on two main pillars including raising awareness and education to help champions and their families adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle that improves their ability to train and compete; and providing medical care through periodic examinations and treatments for each Athlete. “As an inclusive organization, all our clinics and hospitals are fully prepared to care for people of determination and our team has the needed experience to accommodate people of determination as patients, visitors and colleagues. This comes as part of our social responsibility towards society and also as a healthcare provider offering quality specialty care to people of determination,” Mr. Abu Zant concluded.

The programme will focus on over 60 people of determination in Abu Dhabi over two years. Body Wise seeks to teach the importance of diet and physical health and provide the needed care which will help foster a positive environment for Special Olympics athletes, their caregivers and families, to support their success in achieving all their goals.