-The event was in line with Diabetes Awareness Month, which is currently under way and
World Diabetes Day, marked on November 14
– With the theme of ‘Moving Towards the Future of Diabetes Care,’ the event featured a
distinguished lineup of experts, drawing attendees from across the globe
– The two-day conference served as a platform for comprehensive discussions, with a
particular focus on the latest advances in addressing the challenges posed by diabetes
Scores of diabetes experts from
across the board gathered in Abu Dhabi on November 11 to 12 for the Mubadala Health
Diabetes Conference hosted by Imperial College London Diabetes Centre and HealthPlus
Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, both M42 companies.
The two-day conference served as a platform for comprehensive discussions, with a particular
focus on the latest advances in addressing the challenges posed by diabetes. With the
overarching theme of “Moving Towards the Future of Diabetes Care,” the event featured a
distinguished lineup of experts, drawing attendees from across the globe.
The event comprised experts such as Professor Maha Barakat, Assistant Minister for Health
and Life Sciences at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who provided invaluable insights into
the latest updates in diabetes guidelines. Dr. Saira Hameed, a renowned author and Consultant
in Endocrinology and Diabetes at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, and an Honorary
Clinical Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London, UK, also brought her wealth of experience
to the discussions. In her keynote lecture, Dr Victoria Salem a type 1 diabetes specialist at St
Mary’s hospital and a clinician scientist in Bioengineering at Imperial College London spoke
about recent advances in the quest for a technological versus a biological cure, comparing
outcomes in recent trials with fully closed loop pumps versus the first generation of results of
stem cells.
Additionally, the conference played host to experts from institutions including Imperial College
London, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, HealthPlus Diabetes and Endocrinology
Center, and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
The primary objective of the conference was to empower healthcare professionals such as
physicians, nursing staff, technicians, diabetes educators, nutritionists and healthcare
administration staff, with the most recent, evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis,
management, and prevention of diabetes.
The conference sessions covered a wide spectrum of critical topics, ranging from advances in
continuous glucose monitoring devices to the management of type 1 diabetes using stem cells
or artificial pancreases, as well as addressing diabetic kidney disease from prevention to
treatment, among others. It also featured four parallel workshops designed to provide attendees
with firsthand insights into cases from the diabetes type 1 clinic, cases from the diabetes type 2
clinic, and cases from the obesity and lipid clinic.
These topics were brought to life by subject matter experts not only from across the Mubadala
Health network and the Abu Dhabi region but also by renowned international experts from
Imperial College London, UK. The aim was to equip attendees with the latest updates and
insights in the ever-evolving landscape of diabetes care. Furthermore, the conference offered
specialized, in-depth workshops dedicated to promoting evidence-based practices aimed at
achieving improved patient outcomes.
Prof. Amir Sam, Head of Imperial College School of Medicine, UK said:
“For ten consecutive years, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre has been hosting the
Diabetes Conference in Abu Dhabi, and I am honored to have co-chaired this event, which
served as a platform for sharing cutting-edge research and promoting collaboration between
Imperial College London and the UAE in the field of diabetes management. This two-day
conference was a testament to the unwavering commitment of our institution to advance the
understanding and treatment of diabetes.”
The Diabetes Conference in Abu Dhabi is a landmark event in the field of diabetes
management. Over the years, it has consistently brought together experts, clinicians,
researchers, and healthcare professionals from across the world to exchange knowledge and
insights. This year was no exception. The conference featured a lineup of distinguished
speakers, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of diabetes research and care.”
Dr. Mohammed Al-Khatib, Conference Chairman, Medical Director, and Internal Medicine,
Diabetes and Endocrinology Consultant at HealthPlus Diabetes and Endocrinology
Center, said: “It was my privilege to co-chair and attend the two-day conference and hear
insights from colleagues around the world. The threats of diabetes is emerging largely in the
world, but it is reassuring to know that research to combat the disease is ongoing on a daily
basis.”
Recognized by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the conference offered 16 Continuing
Medical Education (CME) hours. Held at the Rosewood Hotel, Abu Dhabi, this event
underscored Mubadala Health’s commitment to advancing medical education and
understanding. By bringing together two pioneering healthcare providers, Mubadala Health aims
to drive improvements in diabetes care in the region, building on the success of previous
diabetes-related events and forums held by its partners in the past.
