MUDHI ALOBTHANI (ABU DHABI)
Advances in diabetes treatment, screening programmes, and medical technologies are strengthening the UAE's efforts to prevent and manage diabetes, but healthcare professionals say early detection, sustained lifestyle changes and psychological support remain essential to reducing its long-term impact.
World Diabetes Day is marked annually on November 14, and this year’s theme “Early Action on Diabetes”, highlights the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment to prevent serious complications and improve quality of life.
Diabetes continues to pose a significant healthcare challenge, with complications potentially affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and blood circulation, according to Dr Niyas Khalid, Specialist Internal Medicine at Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi.
He said that while modern medicine offers increasingly effective treatment options, complications can become more difficult to manage as the condition progresses, particularly when several organs are affected.
"Preventing complications and identifying them early therefore remain central to good care," he said.
Dr Khalid highlighted three priorities for the healthcare sector: identifying people whose diabetes remains undiagnosed, helping patients maintain treatment and lifestyle changes over the long term, and ensuring consistent access to appropriate medicines, monitoring technologies and specialist care.
He noted that advances in treatment have made it possible to address health risks beyond blood glucose levels.
Medications such as GLP-1 receptor agonists and newer dual-action treatments, including tirzepatide, have expanded treatment options for people with Type 2 diabetes and excess weight. Meanwhile, SGLT2 inhibitors have become particularly valuable for suitable patients with heart failure or chronic kidney disease.
Technology is also changing how patients monitor and manage their condition. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems provide readings throughout the day, helping patients and doctors identify glucose fluctuations, including overnight changes and rises following meals.
Dr Khalid said these systems allow healthcare professionals to make more informed treatment adjustments, while alerts and remote monitoring can help patients respond to high or low glucose levels.
Artificial intelligence is also being introduced into diabetes care, including identifying individuals at higher risk and assisting with the assessment of retinal images to detect diabetic eye disease. AI-assisted retinal screening has already been introduced within UAE healthcare services.
He also pointed to the UAE's national prediabetes and diabetes screening campaign and Abu Dhabi's IFHAS programme as important opportunities to identify individuals at risk and connect them with further assessment and treatment.
However, he stressed that screening must be followed by appropriate medical advice, treatment and continued monitoring to make a meaningful difference.
Prevention remains equally important, particularly for people diagnosed with prediabetes. Dr. Khalid said that losing and maintaining 5-7% of body weight, engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, and adopting sustainable dietary habits can significantly reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Citing the landmark Diabetes Prevention Program, he noted that intensive lifestyle interventions reduced the development of Type 2 diabetes by 58% over approximately three years among high-risk participants.
Beyond physical health, doctors are also highlighting the emotional challenges associated with living with diabetes.
Dr Bino Mary Chacko, Specialist Psychiatrist at Medeor Hospital, Abu Dhabi, said the condition can place a considerable emotional burden on patients because of the continuous attention required to manage medications, monitor glucose levels and maintain lifestyle changes.
"Living with diabetes can be emotionally exhausting because it requires constant attention and daily decision-making," she said.
Patients may experience anxiety, frustration, fear of complications, guilt or isolation, which can affect their motivation, treatment adherence and overall quality of life.
Dr Chacko explained that diabetes distress differs from general stress and depression because it is specifically associated with the demands of managing the condition. However, it can coexist with depression and other mental health difficulties.
She emphasised that psychological support should be integrated into diabetes treatment, with counselling, clinical psychology, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and peer-support groups among the available forms of support.
"Psychological support is just as important as physical treatment in comprehensive diabetes care," she said. "We need to treat the person, not just their blood glucose levels."
She also encouraged families to offer understanding rather than judgement, avoid blaming patients for fluctuations in their glucose levels and support healthy habits together.
For people living with diabetes, adapting to the condition often involves significant changes to everyday routines.
Ajith Nair, an Abu Dhabi resident, was diagnosed with diabetes during a routine health check-up around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the diagnosis initially left him worried about dietary restrictions, medication and how the condition would affect his future.
"Initially, I felt worried and uncertain about the future," he said, adding that he also experienced fatigue and had to pay closer attention to his health.
Nair said changing his diet and exercise routine, monitoring his blood sugar regularly and balancing diabetes management with work and daily stress were among his biggest challenges.
He credited the UAE's healthcare system with providing access to specialists, regular check-ups and modern glucose-monitoring tools that have made managing his condition more convenient.
The support of doctors, family and loved ones has also played an important role in helping him remain motivated and follow his treatment plan.
Since his diagnosis, he has adopted healthier eating habits, exercised regularly and become more attentive to his overall well-being.
Addressing people who have recently been diagnosed, Nair said diabetes should not prevent them from leading fulfilling lives.
"Diabetes is manageable. Stay informed, follow your treatment plan, and make gradual lifestyle changes. With the right support and a positive approach, you can live a healthy, fulfilling life," he said.
Dr. Khalid urged people who may be at risk not to wait until symptoms appear before seeking medical advice, noting that Type 2 diabetes can develop without obvious warning signs.
He particularly encouraged individuals with a family history of diabetes, excess abdominal weight, high blood pressure or a history of diabetes during pregnancy to discuss screening with their doctors.
Appropriate tests, including HbA1c and fasting blood glucose, can help identify the condition or detect prediabetes, allowing individuals to take preventive measures or begin treatment before complications develop.
"Knowing your result gives you and your doctor the opportunity to do something about it," he said.