Dubai Diabetes Center Consultant Endocrinologist Talks About Diabetes

According to WHO, about 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, the majority living in low-and middle-income countries, and 1.5 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes each year. Both the number of cases and the prevalence of diabetes have been steadily increasing over the past few decades.

Today, 14th November marks World Diabetes Day, and to raise awareness about Diabetes, we spoke to Dima Abdelmannan, MD  –Consultant Endocrinologist at Dubai Diabetes Center, Dubai Health Authority, and Vice Dean of Clinical Affairs, at Dubai Medical College to get a better idea about the disease. 

When should a person check his sugar levels?

Testing should be considered in certain people based on risk factors.

• In general, obese patients with history of diabetes in first degree family member or with other diseases (e.g., high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, polycystic ovaries) should check blood sugar.
• Also people with pre diabetes ( a condition of higher than normal blood sugar but not to the level of diabetes should check their blood sugar.
• Ladies with history of diabetes during pregnancy should continue to check their blood sugar after delivery
• In people without any of the above conditions, testing is suggested to start at age 45 every three years if the results are normal

What are the symptoms of Diabetes

Common symptoms are thirst, frequency of urination, weight loss, blurry vision) . However, keep in mind that many patients (almost most of the patients) do not have symptoms.

Who are the high-risk categories?

(Same answer as question 1) 

The Different types of Diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Accounts for the majority almost 90% of types)

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (5-10%)

Pancreatic disease related diabetes

Genetic causes (MODY)

Is Diabetes reversable?

It depends on the cause. In the end, blood glucose balance is maintained by the ability of pancreatic cells to secrete insulin and the body’s response to the insulin released (insulin sensitivity). Some conditions like obesity may reduce insulin sensitivity and if reversed may reverse diabetes. However, the pancreatic cells once destroyed are irreversible.

Which is worse high or low blood sugar?

Both have negative consequences.

Continuously elevated high blood glucose is associated with many long term complications.

Low blood glucose is associated with more acute (short term) negative reactions including loss of consciousness (if untreated). Also , frequent low sugar may be associated with heart disease risk on the long run.  

The best diet to avoid or reduce the risk of diabetes?

A balanced diet which helps the person to achieve target weight and contains the macro, micro, vegetables, fibers, and low trans-fat is the best diet.

Which types of diseases can affect sugar levels?

In general, if a patient has diabetes, any illness can cause disturbance in the blood sugar levels. Also, diseases that cause increase in hormone productions that oppose insulin action (e.g. excess cortisol, or excess growth hormone, etc …. ) can also cause high blood sugar. Some medications can also produce a similar effect.

Tell us more about the effects of diabetes on children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Children, pregnant women and elderly are considered important categories where diabetes can behave differently and require special management. The management in those cases should take in consideration the activity, diet, and general body function of the person.

Your message on International Day for diabetes

World diabetes day is the largest event for diabetes and is celebrated worldwide. Every year the international federation of diabetes has a message theme. The message this year is ( Access to Diabetes Care) which sends a global call to the healthcare and industries to work together to support patients with diabetes across the globe. Living in the United Arab Emirates makes it easy for patients with diabetes to access best standards of care, including medications, diabetes education, and technologies. So, I encourage everyone with diabetes and their families to take advantage of this and seek any needed support to take good care of their health for the future.