How a multidisciplinary approach at HealthPlus Diabetes and Endocrinology Center could help you manage the condition better
PARTNER CONTENT: Monikered ‘the silent threat’, diabetes affects millions worldwide with little warning until complications arise. Dr Hala El Ahmadieh, Diabetes & Endocrinology Consultant at HealthPlus Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, emphasises the urgency of recognising the warning signs early.
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.
Comprehensive care
Once diagnosed, diabetes patients must adopt a comprehensive care plan, which is accounted for by a multidisciplinary approach at HealthPlus.
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“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.
Technology in diabetes management
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
For more information, visit hplus.ae
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