Effective Management of Diabetes in Arab Region: Insights and Strategies

By Melike Belenli Gümüş

November 14, 2024

Introduction

Diabetes prevalence in the Arab region has surged, placing a heavy economic strain on healthcare systems. This increase is largely due to factors such as obesity, rapid urbanisation, and sedentary lifestyles. Effective diabetes management is crucial for maintaining optimal health and preventing complications. An expert consensus statement from Arab Diabetes Forum (ADF) has established key strategies, including preoperative risk assessment, obesity management, and fasting guidelines during Ramadan. By understanding these approaches, individuals can better manage their condition and improve their quality of life.

Integration of Global Standards and Regional Data

The ADF, comprising endocrinologists from various Arab countries, has developed tailored recommendations to improve diabetes management and treatment quality across the region. Their guideline integrates global standards from organisations like the American Diabetes Association (ADA), International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD), American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and International Diabetes Federation (IDF), along with regional data. It emphasises evidence-based recommendations and was formulated through collaborative discussions with specialists, including pharmacists and dietitians.

Preoperative Risk Assessment

Before elective surgeries, a thorough preoperative risk assessment is essential for individuals with diabetes. This is particularly important for those at high risk of ischemic heart disease, autonomous neuropathy, or renal failure. The target HbA1c level should be below 8%, and blood glucose should range between 100–180 mg/dL within four hours of surgery. These measures help minimise surgical complications and promote faster recovery.

Obesity and Diabetes

Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, obesity prevalence is high, largely due to unhealthy diets. Managing obesity can delay the progression to type 2 diabetes and may even induce remission. A holistic approach, including physical activity, diet, behavioural therapy, and metabolic surgery, is recommended. This comprehensive strategy addresses the root causes of obesity and supports long-term health improvements.

Figure 1. Medication that should be avoided in diabetic patients.

Fasting During Ramadan

Many Muslims with diabetes choose to fast during Ramadan, despite religious permissions to abstain. Over the past 20 years, recommendations for fasting have evolved from expert opinions to evidence-based guidelines. It is crucial for individuals with diabetes to consult healthcare professionals before fasting. This ensures that their health is not compromised and that they can safely observe the fast.

Insulin Therapy for Children and Adolescents

Insulin therapy is vital for managing type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents. Rapid-acting insulins, such as Lispro, Aspart, and Glulisine, improve postprandial glucose control. These should be administered 10–15 minutes before meals to match food consumption and reduce hypoglycaemia risk. Basal insulin analogues provide consistent insulin release, preventing ketogenesis and hepatic glucose output. This tailored approach ensures effective diabetes management in young patients.

Conclusion

Effective diabetes management requires a multifaceted approach, including preoperative risk assessment, obesity management, and tailored insulin therapy. By following these strategies, individuals can better manage their condition and improve their overall health. For those observing Ramadan, consulting healthcare professionals is essential to ensure safe fasting practices. Therefore, the recommendations provided by the Arab Diabetes Forum are crucial for enhancing diabetes management in the region, as they integrate global best practices with local insights to improve treatment quality and patient outcomes.

Reference url

Recent Posts

oral health Africa
    

Oral Health in Africa: Promoting Collaborative Solutions

🦷 Is oral health taking a back seat in public health discussions in Africa?

A new article reveals alarming statistics about the high prevalence of untreated dental diseases across the continent and a critical shortage of oral health professionals. It emphasizes the urgent need for collaborative action among healthcare providers and policy-makers to integrate oral health into broader public health frameworks.

Discover how strengthening partnerships can pave the way for improved health outcomes and resource allocation in oral health.

#SyenzaNews #globalhealth #HealthEconomics

tislelizumab NSCLC treatment
        

Early Benefit Assessment of Tislelizumab NSCLC Treatment: Insights and Implications

🧐 How is the evolving treatment landscape for NSCLC affecting patient access to tislelizumab?

The German Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) has launched an early benefit assessment for tislelizumab as a second-line treatment for adults with advanced NSCLC. This assessment notably focuses on PD-L1 negative patients and highlights the need for additional data to substantiate its value amidst a shifting emphasis on first-line immunotherapy.

Explore the nuances of this assessment and its implications for future research and market access in the full article.

#SyenzaNews #oncology #MarketAccess

colorectal cancer screening
    

Advances in Colorectal Cancer Screening: Access and Cost

🚀 Is blood-based screening redefining colorectal cancer detection?

The Shield blood test offers a non-invasive alternative to colonoscopy—boosting screening uptake, but raising questions around effectiveness and value.

🔍 Discover how this innovation could reshape patient care, payer strategy, and health system costs.

#SyenzaNews #HealthcareInnovation #CostEffectiveness #DigitalTransformation

When you partner with Syenza, it’s like a Nuclear Fusion.

Our expertise are combined with yours, and we contribute clinical expertise and advanced degrees in health policy, health economics, systems analysis, public finance, business, and project management. You’ll also feel our high-impact global and local perspectives with cultural intelligence.

SPEAK WITH US

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

1950 W. Corporate Way, Suite 95478
Anaheim, CA 92801, USA

© 2025 Syenza™. All rights reserved.