Diabetes Treatment in Abu Dhabi, UAE

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects sugar metabolism, absorption, and utilization in the body, leading to blood sugar levels that are higher than normal. It is simply divided into two types based on the underlying mechanism: Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce the hormone necessary to use dietary sugar, while Type 2 diabetes is characterized by the body’s tissues becoming resistant to absorbing sugar for energy.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes:

where the body is unable to secrete insulin to utilize blood sugar, it typically affects younger individuals. Symptoms can begin in childhood, and if left untreated, the condition can lead to severe complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis and coma. These complications occur when blood sugar levels become dangerously high, disrupting the body’s pH balance and potentially causing brain damage. To prevent such issues, we recommend regular check-ups at least once a year.

Type 2 Diabetes

where the body develops insulin resistance to using sugar as a source of energy, high blood sugar levels can result. This resistance can lead to complications such as high blood pressure, peripheral neuropathy (nerve dysfunction), kidney failure, and vision problems due to damage to the retina. Close monitoring is essential to manage these risks and prevent the progression of diabetes-related complications.

Other types

include gestational diabetes, mature onset diabetes of the young (MODY), early onset diabetes in adults, and secondary diabetes caused by other conditions that can precipitate diabetes mellitus, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, pancreatic tumors, and the ingestion of certain medications, including corticosteroids, beta-blockers, and thiazide diuretics.

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Diabetes Risk Factors

Type 1 Diabetes Risk Factors:

• Family History: A strong risk factor. If a parent or sibling has Type 1 diabetes, the risk of developing the condition is higher.

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors:

• Obesity
• Age 35 or Older
• Sedentary Lifestyle
• Gestational Diabetes: Having gestational diabetes during pregnancy increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later.
• Family History: While still a factor, it is less influential compared to Type 1 diabetes.
• History of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension (blood pressure equal to or above 130/80 mmHg for three consecutive readings, or currently taking medication for hypertension)
• Abnormal lipid profile (HDL less than 35 mg/dL and/or triglycerides greater than 250 mg/dL)

Signs & Symptoms of Diabetes

Alarming Signs:

• Polyphagia: Excessive eating
• Polydipsia: Excessive drinking
• Frequent Urination

Signs of Disease Progression:

• Unintentional Weight Loss
• Blurry Vision
• Frothy Urine with a Fruity Odor
• Numbness and Pain in Peripheral Limbs: Such as feet and hands

Additional Risks:

• Increased risk of infections
• Diabetic foot complications
• Unhealing ulcers
• Digestive issues

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Diagnosis for Diabetes:

Diagnosing diabetes is a multifactorial process. Its diagnosis depends on plasma glucose criteria, which consist of:

• HbA1c Test: This measures average blood sugar levels over the past three months and requires no special preparation.
  • If the level is below 5.7%, you are considered normal. If you have risk factors, retesting in three years is advisable.
  • Levels between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate prediabetes, and you should seek medical advice for monitoring.
  • A level of 6.5% or above necessitates a repeat test to confirm diabetes and discuss appropriate treatment with your diabetologist.
• Random Blood Sugar Test: This test measures blood sugar at any time of day, regardless of the time since your last meal. It can be performed without any preparation and assesses how your body manages blood sugar levels.
  • A random blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher requires consultation with a doctor for further diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Fasting Blood Sugar Test: This confirmatory test distinguishes between normal, prediabetic, and diabetic states based on fasting levels:
  • Less than 100 mg/dL is normal
  • 100 to 125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes
  • 126 mg/dL or above confirms diabetes

This test typically requires overnight fasting.

• Glucose Tolerance Test: This test involves fasting overnight, taking an initial blood sample, consuming a 75-gram sugary meal, and tracking blood sugar levels after two hours in non-pregnant individuals. In pregnant individuals, blood sugar levels are tracked after one hour and then again after two hours.

Your diabetologist may refer you to other specialists for the following tests to rule out complications related to diabetes:

• Fundus Examination: Conducted every 6 to 12 months, this test monitors vision and detects early signs of diabetic retinopathy.
• Kidney Function Tests: Regular tests (every 6 to 12 months) assess kidney performance and detect any issues.
• Foot examination: Recommended once every year, often presenting as numbness, weakness, or loss of sensation.

Always consult your diabetologist for personalized advice and testing schedules.

Diabetes Treatments

Treatments for diabetes vary based on the type of diabetes and individual patient needs.

Type 1 Diabetes:

This type is primarily treated with insulin, which can be administered through frequent injections or an insulin pump.

Other treatment options may include pancreas transplants or islet stem cell transplantation, as the main issue in Type 1 diabetes is the body’s inability to produce insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes:

Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

Treatment for Type 2 diabetes typically involves several key components:

• Dietary Changes: Emphasize a fiber-rich diet while minimizing sugars and saturated fats. At Reem Hospital, our diabetes educators and nutritionists are here to guide you in managing your blood sugar through food choices, along with medication.
• Physical Activity: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day, such as walking or aerobic activities.
• Medications: Medications that manage diabetes include:
  • Insulin Sensitizers: Enhance the body’s sensitivity to insulin (e.g., Metformin).
  • Insulin Secretagogues: (e.g., Sulfonylureas).
  • Incretin Mimetics: Intestinal hormones that stimulate insulin release after a nutritious meal (e.g., Semaglutide “Ozempic” and Tirzepatide “Mounjaro”).
  • Intestinal Glucose Absorption Inhibitors: (e.g., Acarbose).
  • SGLT2 Inhibitors: Decrease renal reabsorption of glucose (e.g., Gliflozin and other related medications).
• Insulin Therapy (when necessary):
  • Insulin injections
  • Insulin pumps

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Why Choose Diabetes Treatment at Reem Hospital, Abu Dhabi?

At Reem Hospital, we proudly provide a fully equipped and well-organized diabetes center. Our multidisciplinary team includes collaboration among consultants such as neurologists, vascular surgeons, nephrologists, and ophthalmologists, all working together with our highly specialized diabetologists, diabetes educators, and nutritionists. We utilize state-of-the-art technology for diagnosis and advanced treatments, all available within our facility. With a wide range of insurance coverage, we have established ourselves as a trusted center for diabetes care throughout your journey.

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