World Diabetes Day 2024
TEST. TREAT. TRACK. Keeping diabetes under control
14 November is World Diabetes Day, which provides an opportunity to raise awareness about diabetes as a critical health issue and emphasize the collective and individual actions needed to improve the prevention, diagnosis and management of the condition.
Today, eight leading doctors from eight leading clinics and hospitals in Qatar share their views and experiences with News Trail readers on how best to avoid, manage and control diabetes to lead a healthy and happy life.
On World Diabetes Day, diabetics must take a vow to take this disease seriously
On this World Diabetes Day, let the people who have diabetes take a decision that they will take this disease seriously and follow the diet, taking medication regularly and do regular follow-ups with their doctors. And keep their sugar levels under control so that they can live a long and healthy life.
One fourth of the population are having diabetes or pre-diabetes. Obesity and high cholesterol are all interlinked and these diseases can affect the heart and increase the chances of getting a heart attack.
Screening for diabetes should be done at the age of 35 or even earlier if people are obese. Diabetes doesn’t show any symptoms at the early stage. So, no proper medication, not following a proper diet and not consulting a doctor regularly will lead to long-term complications of diabetes.
Long term diabetes can affect your heart and lead to stroke, damage your liver, your eyes, cause infection in your legs and numbness.
India is called the diabetes capital of the world as the cases are double in numbers when compared with the west. Southern states have a greater number of cases compared to the northern states in India and this is due to the excessive consumption of carbohydrates in the form of rice.
-Dr Preetham Kumar Francis, Cardiology Specialist, Abeer Medical Centre, Abu Hamour, Doha
As Endocrinologist, I see firsthand profound impact of diabetes on patients’ lives
On World Diabetes Day, it’s vital to emphasize the growing global challenge of diabetes and the crucial need for early intervention, awareness, and support. Diabetes, particularly type 2, is rapidly rising worldwide, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. As an Endocrinologist, I see firsthand the profound impact that diabetes can have on patients’ lives, affecting nearly every organ and leading to complications that are largely preventable. Early diagnosis, effective management, and lifestyle interventions — such as balanced nutrition and regular physical activity — are cornerstones in reducing the burden of this condition.
With advancements in technology, including continuous glucose monitoring and personalized treatment options, managing diabetes is more precise and accessible than ever. However, we must strive to make these advances available to all, as disparities in care continue to be a significant barrier. On World Diabetes Day, I urge both individuals and healthcare systems to prioritize diabetes prevention and education, as the benefits extend beyond controlling blood sugar — promoting longer, healthier lives. Together, we can work towards a future where diabetes is not a limiting factor but a manageable condition through proactive care and informed choices.”
– Dr. Tabinda Dugal, Consultant, Diabetes and Endocrinology, The View Hospital, Doha
This year, our focus is on impact of diabetes on emotional well-being
This year, on World Diabetes Day, we are focusing on the impact of diabetes mellitus on the emotional and psychological well-being of people with diabetes (PwD). Diabetes is a lifelong disease requiring daily medications, significant lifestyle changes, home monitoring of glucose, blood pressure and weight, along with periodic contact with health care professionals.
We as health professionals have underestimated the emotional toll this takes on PwDs. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that 3 out of 4 PwDs will experience symptoms of depression and anxiety related to the treatment.
A large number of patients experiencing diabetes burnout or diabetes distress interrupt their treatment and disengage with health professionals for extended periods of time. Research from our team in India suggests that PwD experiencing diabetes distress also end up with significant work stress and perceive poor effort- reward imbalance at workplaces as well. The call from the IDF this year is to sensitize lay public, policy makers, workplace colleagues and managers, friends and family of PwD to recognise the profound impact of diabetes on their emotional well-being.
The hope of this is that by putting emotional wellbeing at the core of diabetes care we can improve long-term outcomes for people with diabetes.
-Prof. Jubbin Jagan Jacob, Consultant Endocrinologist, Naseem Medical Centre, C-Ring Road, Doha- Qatar
We advise patients to ‘care for your feet just as you would your face’
Diabetes complications can arise and damage various organs and systems if not detected and controlled soon. Diabetic neuropathy is one of the earliest and most common complications of diabetes. This nerve damage, caused by high blood sugar levels, often begins in the feet and can lead to sensations like tingling, pain, or numbness, and can progress to a loss of feeling. As neuropathy progresses, if injuries to their feet go unnoticed, risks of infections and amputations increase.
Proper foot care is essential to prevent these issues. We always advise patients to care for your feet just as you would your face. This means daily inspection, gentle cleaning, moisturizing and wearing well-fitting shoes to prevent pressure points or blisters. Early symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, like tingling or mild pain in the feet, should prompt proactive care, as this is often the first visible sign of nerve damage. Regular foot exams and blood glucose control are critical steps in managing diabetic neuropathy and preventing serious complications.
-Dr. Jobin Rajan Benjamin,Specialist in General Medicine and Internal Medicine, Aster DM Healthcare – Qatar
Being active throughout the day helps improve your blood sugar levels
Diabetes is a lifetime disease that can be managed and controlled. By maintaining a good control of this condition, people with diabetes can live a productive normal life, and reduce their risk of developing long-term complications.
1> Healthy eating: Living with diabetes does not forbid you from enjoying your food. It does, however, require that you stick to the healthy eating principles of a diet high in fiber, low in harmful fat and highly processed carbohydrates.
2.Physical activity and exercise
Being active throughout the day helps improve your blood sugar levels. It is recommended that you reduce your sedentary time and increase the amount of activity during the day by
• Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
• Playing actively with kids or playing any sports of your choice
• Parking at the far end of the shopping center and walk to the store
• Walking instead of drive whenever possible
3. Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose
Keeping an eye on the changes in your blood glucose will help you adjust your food intake and your activity level. Early Diagnosis is the key as around 50% of people living with diabetes are undiagnosed.
–Dr Jaseena Naduveetil, Specialist, Family Physician, Focus Medical Centre, Doha
My advice is to prioritize regular health screenings
It’s important that people must be aware of the early symptoms of diabetes like increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and weight loss. Diabetes is a systemic disease which will have severe consequences leading to organ failures and death. T
This World Diabetes Day, I urge individuals to prioritize regular health screenings to control and prevent diabetes-related complications.
-Dr. Yusuf Savran, Internal Medicine Consultant Turkish Hospital, Doha
Transform your lifestyle for effective diabetes control
Management of diabetes is not just a matter of medication; it’s a question of lifestyle changes that offer long-term health benefits.
Key lifestyle changes for diabetes control are: 1) Healthy Eating: A balanced diet can help your body maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Eat high-fiber foods, such as vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting sweet snacks and refined carbohydrates. Eating smaller portions in a balanced manner will prevent spikes. 2) Regular Physical Activity: Exercise helps the body use insulin properly. Even light exercises like brisk walking, cycling, or stretching every day help bring down blood sugar levels. 3) Stress Management and Quality Sleep: Stress raises blood sugar. Mindfulness, breathing exercises, and a night’s sleep can help keep your stress at a low level and stabilize your sugar level.
At face value, the changes in lifestyle may appear quite simple, but they are very potent tools in the management of diabetes.
-Dr. Jacob Neil, Consultant – Internal Medicine & Medical Director, WELLKINS Medical Centre Doha
Visit your eye doctor yearly for a dilated eye exam
Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes complication that damages the retina’s blood vessels. Initially, it may cause no symptoms or mild vision issues, but it can lead to blindness. It can affect anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and the risk increases with the duration of diabetes and poor blood sugar control.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy: 1) Floaters: Spots or dark strings in your vision which can indicate bleeding inside the eye. 2) Blurred Vision: Caused by fluid buildup in the retina. 3) Fluctuating Vision: Often due to cataracts from blood sugar fluctuations. 4) Dark or Empty Areas: Known as scotomas. 5) Vision Loss: From complications like retinal haemorrhage or new blood vessels causing glaucoma, leading to irreversible vision loss.
Visit your eye doctor yearly for a dilated eye exam, even if your vision appears normal. If you experience sudden changes in your vision, contact your doctor immediately.
Dr. Nada Osman Ibrahim Specialist-Ophthalmology KIMS HEALTH Medical Center, Al Meshaf
