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Diabetes is a disease that is growing significantly in the UAE, and yet there continues to be misunderstandings about it - what it is, how to treat it, how to live with it - that leave people confused and wondering what the best way to deal with it is.

 

At Oasis Hospital we want to help increase public awareness of diabetes and educate the public about its potential complications as well as ways to avoid developing the condition. If you believe that you might have diabetes and would like to be tested please call Oasis Hospital to schedule an appointment. We not only offer screening for diabetes, but also can provide advice for those living with diabetes to help manage their condition and live a normal life.

 

What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disorder that affects the body's metabolism, resulting in abnormally high levels of sugar in the blood.

 

What causes diabetes?
In some cases, diabetes develops as a result of lower insulin production within the body (Type 1). More commonly, diabetes develops when the body resists absorbing insulin (Type 2). Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use carbohydrates (sugars). When the body produces too little insulin or resists absorbing it, sugar builds up in the body.

What are the symptoms caused by diabetes?
As the level of sugars in the body increases, the body begins to react, resulting in a variety of symptoms: frequent urination, excessive thirst and fluid intake, blurred vision, dizziness, sudden weight-loss, and changes in metabolism.

 

Is diabetes preventable?
You can greatly reduce your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes - diabetes caused by the body's inability to absorb insulin - by maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and eating healthily.

Is there a cure for diabetes?
Unfortunately there is no cure for diabetes. However, all forms of diabetes are treatable and manageable through insulin supplementation; by taking insulin supplements, exercising, and eating correctly, persons living with diabetes can control the amount of sugar in their bodies and subsequently, control the disease.

What's the best way to reduce my risk, or maintain a healthy life after diagnosis?
Exercise is the best thing you can do for yourself! Get a friend and take a walk every day; ride a bike; swim; something as little as 20-30 minutes a day will reduce your risk of diabetes, or will help you to maintain certain levels if you have it.

 

Is diabetes common in the UAE?
According to the UAE Ministry of Health, "In the United Arab Emirates, one fifth of the adult population has diabetes, and that number is expected to rise significantly unless something is done to stop this epidemic."

 

Many government affairs offices have started programs within the UAE in an attempt to reduce the rates of diabetes. According to Dr. Ali Bin Shakar, Director General of the Ministry, "We have developed a comprehensive long term plan to reduce rates of diabetes in the country. This initiative complements our efforts in strengthening the capacity of our healthcare professionals in preventing and managing diabetes." For more information please visit the UAE Diabetes Care Continuum Website at http://www.dcc.org/ae/.

 

What are some other good resources for me to learn more about diabetes?
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The American Diabetes Association: http://www.diabetes.org/
Diabetes Health Center: http://diabetes.webmd.com/guide/diabetes-overview-facts
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation: www.jdrf.org