MORE than 50 coveted experts will assemble in Dubai next month at a new cardiology and diabetes conference to address global cardiology issues and also explore the growing challenges of diabetes around the world and within the MENA region. Taking place on May 16-18 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the first International Cardiology Symposium and Diabetes Forum – A Global Agenda (ICS-13), will spotlight the latest developments of clinical practice in coronary artery diseases, interventions, diabetes, heart failure and hypertension. The symposium coincides with recent research indicating that nearly 32.8 million people are diagnosed with diabetes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region while five of the world's top ten countries with the highest prevalence of diabetes are from the GCC – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Further estimates suggest that by 2030, nearly four per cent of all deaths in MENA will be caused by the disease, representing a rise of 85 percent from 2008. The three-day symposium includes a reputable line-up of speakers comprising Frank Ruschitzka, Head of heart failure and transplantation clinic at the University Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland, who will deliver the keynote address about state of the art technologies for heart failure treatment; and Dr Abdulrazzaq Al Madani, CEO of Dubai Hospital at Dubai Health Authority, who will talk about the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Dr Abdurrazzak Gehani, Director of Primary PCI and Advanced Life Support Programs in Qatar will talk about the contemporary treatment of patients with diabetes and coronary artery disease, while Dr Wael Abdulrahman Al Mahmeed from the Emirates Cardiac Society and Co-Chairman and member of the Scientific Committee for the conference will deliver a presentation about the effect of the kidney function on intrinsic rhythm changes in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. According to recent reports, direct diabetes treatment constitutes approximately 40 per cent of the UAE's overall healthcare expenditures with the per capita health care spending ranked as second highest in the GCC, expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of five percent by 2014.
Dr Mahmeed said: “There needs to be a national plan involving all authorities including healthcare, municipality, education, finance, food and environment to tackle the rising issue of cardio-related diseases and diabetes in the region.” Research suggests that the age group between 55-60 years is most at risk to be diagnosed with these diseases and the International Cardiology Symposium and Diabetes Forum will not only help build more public awareness of cardio-related diseases but will also improve our knowledge on how to deal with the diabetes and obesity crisis in the region. “Furthermore, the conference will also explore various elements of economic competitiveness and the role that health issues can play in regards to charting the course for long-term sustainable socio-economic growth in the region.” Held under the auspices of the Emirates Cardiac Society, Emirates Diabetes Society, Brazilian Society of Cardiology, Brazilian Society of Diabetes, European Society of Cardiology, and International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS), the conference will highlight these important industry matters to raise awareness of the connection between cardiovascular conditions and diabetes. Jorge Guimarães, Chairman of the International Cardiology Symposium and Diabetes Forum – A Global Agenda (ICS-13), said: “Rapid economic development and lifestyle changes have resulted in low levels of physical activity, unhealthy nutrition and increased obesity which are all key risk factors for diabetes and unless we act now, one in three adults in the UAE may have diabetes or pre-diabetes by 2020. “The symposium will help to better understand the attitudes and behaviors that contribute to this growing problem and identify possible ways to mitigate risk factors and encourage healthy behaviors.” — SG
