MOPH and partners mark World Diabetes Day

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in co-operation with Hamad Medical Corp (HMC) and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) are joining hands in celebrating the World Diabetes Day 2023 under the theme, "Know your Risk, Know your Response" to emphasise the importance of screening to discover and manage risk factors to prevent the development of diabetes.Director, Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programmes at the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Sheikh Mohamed al-Thani has emphasised the profound impact of World Diabetes Day, celebrated on November 14. He said: "This global awareness initiative serves as a powerful platform uniting the healthcare sector and the public in a collective effort to shed light on the realities of diabetes. Within this initiative, the Ministry of Public Health, alongside affiliated healthcare organisations, assumes a pivotal role. Together, we work tirelessly to not only raise awareness but also provide crucial support, advocate for impactful policies, and drive forward groundbreaking research. Our collective mission is to combat the diabetes epidemic and enhance public health for all. World Diabetes Day is a reminder of the pivotal importance of diabetes prevention. Together, we stand strong in the face of adversity, striving for a healthier and brighter future."Co-Chairs of the National Diabetes Committee at the ministry, Prof Abdul Badi Abou Samra and Dr Kholoud al-Mutawaa, noted: "Diabetes is a chronic condition that may start 'silently' without symptoms but can progress to serious health complications if not prevented and managed early and properly. By understanding the risk factors and recognising early symptoms, individuals can take steps to prevent and manage diabetes effectively."They emphasised that Qatar's National Diabetes Committee has launched various health initiatives including the implementation of a pioneering national screening programme for diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors, delivered through primary care, and guidelines for a diabetes care model that integrates primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare systems in Qatar to addresses the need of the patients based on their disease status; this plays a crucial role for prevention and management of diabetes and its complications in the community.In addition, Senior Consultant, Family Physician and Executive Director of Operations at Primary Healthcare Corp (PHCC) Dr Samya al-Abdulla said: "Primary care, in close collaboration with the National Diabetes Committee, has been at the forefront of implementing the National Diabetes Strategy action plan and new model of care, including the implementation and delivery of an Annual Health Check Service available in all health centres. The Annual Health Check service includes preventative screening for common chronic, metabolic, mental, orthopaedic, hematologic and cardiovascular illnesses such as diabetes, prediabetes. The screening is essential for an early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and risk factors; offering a gateway into the full range of primary health care services available at PHCC to support the population of Qatar to take steps to maintain or improve their health."On his part, Head of Endocrinology, Hamad Medical Corp (HMC) Dr Mahmoud Zirie noted that "HMC endocrinologists and multi-disciplinary team members play an important role in the secondary and tertiary care of diabetes to prevent development of the devastating diabetes complications on the kidneys, the heart, eyes, and the nervous system. Screening for and management of associated co-morbidities are essential for prevention of the long-term complications of diabetes; this improves the quality of life of people living with diabetes despite the onset of the disease".Endocrinologist and Head of Technology and Diabetes Unit, HMC, Dr Dabia al-Mohanadi, noted that novel technologies for monitoring blood glucose and delivery of insulin have become very useful for the management of diabetes particularly type 1 diabetes. The National Diabetes Center, HMC, has adopted the most advanced blood glucose monitoring and insulin delivery devices to support patients.On her part, Director of Diabetes Education, HMC, Dr Manal Othman, commented: "The World Diabetes Day celebrations organised jointly by the health sector include a series of activities and initiatives designated to engage the public, healthcare professionals and policymakers in discussions about diabetes prevention, management and research related to diabetes.