UDST symposium on diabetes care explores latest advances

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) hosted the 4th symposium on Diabetes Care under the theme "Transforming Diabetes Care for Well-Being: Innovations in Education, Research, and Person-Centred Practice.”Held in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), and with the support of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Primary Health Care Corporation, Sidra Medicine, and The View Hospital in affiliation with Cedars-Sinai, the symposium brought together national and international healthcare experts to discuss the latest advances, challenges and opportunities in diabetes care and prevention as well as the broader metabolic health agenda.The symposium was attended by Sheikh Dr Mohammed al-Thani, director of Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programmes at the MoPH; Dr. Rachid Benlamri, vice president, academics UDST; Dr Rayana Ahmed Bou Haka, director of the World Health Organisation Office, Qatar; Dr Dabia al-Mohanadi, director of the Qatar Metabolic Institute and division chief of Endocrinology at HMC; Dr Abdulla al-Hamaq, executive director of Qatar Diabetes Association; Prof Amanda Adler, professor of Diabetic Medicine and Health Policy at the University of Oxford, UK; and Dr Tassos Kotzias, president of the Doha Chapter of the International Coaching Federation, and several researchers, faculty, students and guests.The event featured an extensive scientific programme including keynote lectures, expert talks, and interactive panel discussions covering topics such as diabetes remission, innovations in cardiovascular and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease risk management, holistic and person-centred care, and the integration of mental health and behaviour change in diabetes management.Dr Salem al-Naemi, president of UDST, stated: "At UDST, we take pride in fostering platforms that connect education, research, and healthcare practice to address some of Qatar’s most pressing health priorities. The 4th Symposium on Diabetes Care reflects our shared mission to build capacity among healthcare professionals, support innovation in diabetes education, and contribute to the nation’s collective efforts to reduce the burden of chronic diseases.”Dr Dabia said: "Our shared goal is to deliver care that is innovative, compassionate and truly integrated - centred on the person, not just the condition. As we address diabetes alongside obesity and cardiovascular disease, we recognise that these conditions are deeply interconnected and require coordinated, multidisciplinary solutions.”The symposium also featured a high-level panel discussion on the National Health Strategy (NHS-3), 2024 - 2030, Action Plan on Obesity, Diabetes and Modifiable Risk Factors for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease emphasising ongoing efforts to advance childhood obesity prevention and strengthen integrated, multidisciplinary approaches to non-communicable diseases care across Qatar.An accompanying exhibition highlighted the contributions of key healthcare institutions and academic organisations actively engaged in diabetes care, research, and education in Qatar.