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Families, students and representatives of various institutions joined around 11,000 people at Aspire Park yesterday for Diabetes Qatar’s annual walkathon, highlighting the importance of prevention, early detection and healthier lifestyles.Held under the theme “Step towards a healthier life”, the World Diabetes Day celebration was attended by Diabetes Qatar chairman Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Hamad al-Thani and executive director Dr Abdullah al-Hamaq, along with supporters from across the community.The event was part of Diabetes Qatar’s “Early Intervention to Address Diabetes” campaign, which runs throughout November. The programme featured diabetes risk assessments, health screenings, educational activities, sports and recreational activities, and family entertainment.In a press statement, Dr al-Hamaq said the strong turnout reflected the community’s interest in learning about diabetes and adopting healthier habits.“Through this year’s campaign, we are highlighting the importance of early intervention, recognising risk factors and getting screened at the right time. These steps can help prevent type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications,” he said.He added that the annual walkathon brings people of all ages together to raise awareness, encourage regular physical activity and show support for people living with diabetes and their families.Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the event, Dr Amal Adam Mustafa, healthcare manager at Diabetes Qatar, stressed the need to strengthen public awareness as diabetes rates continue to rise worldwide.Dr Mustafa noted that the association was organising educational programmes throughout November in schools and workplaces. These include a forum scheduled for November 16 to discuss the rights of students living with diabetes and ways to support families whose children have the condition. Topics will include psychological support, carbohydrate counting and treatment plans, equipping parents with practical information to manage their children’s daily needs.Meanwhile, Khulood al-Mulla from Diabetes Qatar’s Public Relations Department said the association would organise Al Bawasil Camp in December, bringing together children living with diabetes from Qatar and other countries.The week-long residential camp aims to equip children with practical skills to manage their condition independently.“We teach children how to depend on themselves, how to calculate their insulin and how to manage their food,” she said.The camp will include overnight accommodation, outdoor trips and recreational activities, alongside a structured programme running from morning until evening.The walkathon was sponsored by AlRayan Bank, with support from health, sports and community organisations. Dr al-Hamaq thanked the sponsor, participating organisations, partners, volunteers and members of the public for helping make the event possible.Through its November campaign and year-round educational initiatives, Diabetes Qatar seeks to promote early intervention, encourage timely diagnosis and improve health outcomes for people living with diabetes and those at risk of developing the condition.

 Al-Ahli Hospital has successfully hosted its Second Diabetes and Endocrinology Conference at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, bringing together approximately 360 healthcare professionals and specialists from Qatar and abroad to discuss the latest advances in diabetes management, endocrinology, obesity treatment, and metabolic health.  Held under the theme “Informed Decisions, Impactful Outcomes”, the one-day conference featured 11 scientific presentations addressing developments in diabetes diagnosis and treatment, continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pump technology, obesity management, and strategies to prevent diabetes-related complications.  The event provided a platform for scientific exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuing medical education, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based approaches to improving patient outcomes.  A key highlight of the conference was the presentation of findings indicating that approximately 30% of children in Qatar may be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes in association with obesity. The findings underscored the importance of early intervention, preventive healthcare, and coordinated efforts involving families, healthcare professionals, and educational institutions to address childhood obesity and its long-term health implications.  In his remarks, Khalid Mohamed al-Emadi, CEO of Al-Ahli Hospital and Medicare Group, highlighted the importance of advancing medical knowledge, strengthening preventive healthcare, and raising public awareness of major health challenges affecting the community.  He emphasised the role of scientific conferences in bringing healthcare professionals together to exchange expertise, explore emerging medical developments, and strengthen collaboration across Qatar’s healthcare sector.  Al-Ahli Hospital continues to prioritise clinical excellence, continuous medical education, and evidence-based healthcare practices. Through its scientific and community health initiatives, the hospital seeks to improve health outcomes and support the ongoing development of healthcare services in Qatar.Addressing diabetes and obesity, particularly among children and adolescents, remains an important public health priority requiring sustained collaboration between healthcare providers, families, and the wider community.  Engineer Jamal Hammad, deputy CEO and director of Projects at Al-Ahli Hospital and Medicare Group, highlighted that diabetes prevention requires a shared commitment from the healthcare sector and families, with particular emphasis on promoting healthy habits from an early age.  He stressed the importance of raising parental awareness of obesity-related health risks, encouraging regular physical activity, and establishing balanced dietary habits to help reduce the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.  The conference discussions also examined the relationship between sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary choices, and increasing obesity concerns among children and adolescents.Dr Abdulazim Abdulwahab, medical director of Al-Ahli Hospital, emphasised the value of scientific conferences in bringing together specialists from the public and private healthcare sectors to exchange knowledge and explore developments in the comprehensive management of diabetes and obesity.  He also discussed advances in obesity treatment, including newer medical therapies and their implications for managing obesity-related conditions, particularly type 2 diabetes. These developments highlight the importance of individualised treatment approaches and integrating medical and lifestyle interventions into comprehensive patient care.The scientific programme explored recent advances in managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes, including continuous glucose monitoring systems, insulin pumps, modern pharmaceutical treatments, and technologies that support glucose monitoring and early identification of potentially dangerous fluctuations.  Presentations also addressed diabetes-related complications affecting the eyes, blood vessels, bones, and extremities, alongside associated metabolic conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance.  Dr Mohamed Elrishi, head of Endocrinology and Diabetes at Al-Ahli Hospital and chair of the conference, highlighted the importance of equipping healthcare professionals with current clinical knowledge while empowering patients to understand their conditions better and actively participate in their treatment and long-term care.He also announced plans to establish a dedicated insulin pump clinic at Al-Ahli Hospital, marking another step in developing specialised diabetes services and supporting patients who require advanced insulin therapy.  The conference delivered 11 scientific presentations and awarded participants eight accredited continuing medical education (CME) points, supporting the ongoing professional development of healthcare practitioners across both the public and private sectors.  The conference also featured a presentation by Dr Turki al-Hababi, head of Obesity Medicine at Qatar Obesity Centre and director of the National Obesity Treatment Centre at Hamad Medical Corporation. His presentation focused on strengthening collaboration between specialised secondary care services and primary healthcare centres in managing obesity. 

Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, will host the Qatar Pediatric Endocrine and Diabetes Conference (QPED 2026) from Nov. 27 to 28, 2026.The conference will cover the latest approaches to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and endocrine disorders in children and adolescents.Held under the theme "Advancing Excellence in Pediatric Endocrine and Diabetes Care," QPED 2026 will focus on developments that are changing the management of pediatric endocrine conditions. These include diabetes technologies, earlier intervention for Type 1 diabetes, new approaches to childhood obesity, precision medicine and emerging therapies for rare endocrine disorders.Dr. Khalid Hussain, Senior Attending Physician at Sidra Medicine and Conference Chair of QPED 2026, said: "Pediatric endocrinology is advancing rapidly, particularly in areas such as diabetes technology, precision medicine and emerging therapies. We are also seeing an important shift in Type 1 diabetes, with greater focus on identifying children at risk and considering interventions earlier in the disease pathway. QPED 2026 will provide a platform for healthcare professionals to discuss how these advances can be translated into better and more personalized care for children and their families."The two-day scientific program will address Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, childhood obesity, growth and puberty disorders, thyroid conditions, endocrine emergencies and rare endocrine disorders. A dedicated session on the future of Type 1 diabetes will examine screening and prevention, immune-modulating therapies and cell-based treatments, including islet transplantation and stem cell approaches. The program will also highlight continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pumps and hybrid closed-loop systems and their growing role in the management of childhood diabetes.Childhood obesity will be another key focus of QPED 2026. Experts will discuss the recognition, evaluation and management of obesity in children, as well as emerging treatment options. The conference will also feature updates on new therapies for monogenic obesity, ach********lasia and growth disorders.Dr. Ahmed Al Hammadi, Chair of Pediatric Medicine at Sidra Medicine, said: "Children with diabetes and endocrine disorders often require care from multidisciplinary teams. Bringing together physicians, nurses, diabetes educators, dietitians, researchers and allied health professionals allows us to share knowledge across specialties and strengthen the way we manage these complex conditions. Our goal is ultimately to improve outcomes and quality of life for children and young people."In addition to expert-led scientific sessions and case-based discussions, QPED 2026 will feature practical workshops on diabetes technology, insulin therapy and carbohydrate counting, as well as healthy lifestyle and behavioral approaches to obesity management.The conference is aimed at pediatric endocrinologists, diabetologists, pediatricians, primary care and family medicine physicians, nurses, diabetes educators, dietitians, pharmacists, allied health professionals, researchers and healthcare students. 

 The Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA), member of Qatar Foundation, is expanding its focus beyond diabetes management to prevention, early intervention and personalised treatment.  QDA executive director Dr Abdullah al-Hamaq said that the association receives nearly 48,000 visitors annually who benefit from its range of medical, educational and lifestyle services.  The association has around 9,000 registered members, and provides an integrated package of services designed to help people manage diabetes while encouraging healthier lifestyles, which include nutritional and healthy-lifestyle consultations, access to a gym, blood-glucose monitoring devices and testing strips, as well as blood-pressure monitors and other essential supplies.  Dr al-Hamaq stressed that supporting people already living with diabetes is only one part of the association’s mission, as prevention and public awareness are increasingly central to its work, particularly by encouraging healthier diets, regular physical activity and routine health checks to reduce preventable risk factors.  Meanwhile, the association is preparing to host its annual conference in November, coinciding with the World Diabetes Day, under the theme Diabetes: From Prevention to Personalised Treatment, which is expected to bring together international experts, specialists and researchers to examine the latest developments in diabetes prevention, treatment and research.One of the major topics of the conference is the rapid shift toward precision and personalised medicine.  Dr al-Hamaq noted that diabetes cannot be effectively managed through a single treatment approach for every patient, as individuals have different medical conditions, risk profiles and treatment needs.  Accordingly, personalised care allows healthcare professionals to select interventions according to a patient’s specific characteristics and health status. 

Qatar's Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has launched an endowment fund to support diabetes patients, as part of its healthcare endowment program. The initiative, launched by the ministry's General Directorate of Endowments, aims to develop sustainable endowment resources and direct their proceeds towards helping patients cover treatment costs and providing medicines and essential medical supplies. Hassan Al Marzouqi, director general of the General Directorate of Endowments, said the fund was designed to address the community's healthcare needs and help ease the financial burden on beneficiaries. He said the initiative was aligned with the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs' 2025-2030 strategy.

Diabetes Qatar (also known as the Qatar Diabetes Association) organised a dedicated support programme for children newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and their families at Diabetes Qatar’s headquarters, with the participation of 13 families.The programme was designed to provide psychological support for children and their parents during the early stages of diagnosis, helping them adapt to the challenges associated with this new phase.It also aimed to foster a sense of belonging among the children by giving them the opportunity to meet and interact with peers who are going through similar experiences.The programme featured a variety of educational and recreational activities tailored for children, helping them learn how to live confidently with Type 1 diabetes in an engaging and enjoyable way.**media[472991]**Through interactive activities, children learned about insulin injection sites, while participating in games and group activities that promoted self-confidence and created a supportive environment.Running alongside the children's activities, Diabetes Qatar introduced parents to its services and programmes, highlighting its role in providing health education, psychological support, and community-based services, as well as explaining how families can benefit from the association's resources.The programme included a specialised psychological support workshop for parents delivered by Sanabel Akef from Al Sanabel Specialised Mental Health Centre.The session focused on the emotional impact of a child's diagnosis and provided practical guidance on supporting children and helping families successfully navigate the initial stages of living with diabetes.This initiative forms part of the Qatar Diabetes Association's wider summer programme, which aims to raise health awareness and encourage healthy lifestyles across the community.As part of these initiatives, the association also participated in the Qatar Sports For All Federation's Summer Activity Programme and delivered several online educational workshops, including "Our Children's Health Starts at Home", which emphasised the family's role in building healthy habits and promoting the prevention of chronic diseases. 

Diabetes Qatar organised an educational support programme for mothers of children living with type 1 diabetes at Park Hyatt Msheireb on May 23, bringing together 25 mothers for a day focused on education, peer support, and practical diabetes management. The initiative aimed to equip mothers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively manage their children’s condition, while also providing a supportive platform for discussing the emotional and day-to-day challenges families face when caring for children living with type 1 diabetes. The programme featured two interactive educational sessions, practical workshops, and open discussions, allowing participants to share experiences, raise concerns, and explore practical solutions to common challenges associated with managing type 1 diabetes in children. Dr Abdullah al-Hamaq, executive director of Diabetes Qatar, said: “At Diabetes Qatar, we believe that effective type 1 diabetes management extends beyond clinical care — it starts at home. Mothers play a vital role in their children’s daily care and emotional well-being, which is why empowering families through education and support remains a key priority for us.” The event forms part of Diabetes Qatar’s broader monthly programme supporting people living with type 1 diabetes and their families. Recent initiatives have included a recreational gathering for girls living with diabetes, as well as a sports and recreational programme for boys living with type 1 diabetes, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to providing holistic support that combines education, well-being, and community engagement for different age groups. 

"Get well soon" — these are the words that people who suffer with diabetes, heart disease or cancer hear too often. Not so if you suffer with obesity or overweight, where people closest to you will point the finger of blame, suggesting you should eat less, exercise more, and that you are just lazy. And yet, obesity, which affects over one billion people worldwide, and where in Qatar over 70% of the population are suffering with obesity and overweight, is as much a chronic disease as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. If anything, obesity is the root cause behind over 200 diseases, including physical, mental and mechanical (see references 1, 2, 3). Guidelines worldwide agree that obesity is a chronic, progressive and relapsing disease. Its impact on people will differ depending on the distribution and function of the fat involved. Our appetite is driven by our brain, which controls three aspects of eating — eating because you are hungry; emotional eating because you are feeling sad, or even eating for the pleasure of eating; and finally, the part of your brain that exercises control over emotional eating. Studies have shown that the link between the control part and the emotional part of eating is not working in people with obesity. Biology and brain have a big part to play in explaining the science behind obesity (see reference 4). Obesity has traditionally been assessed through measurement of the body mass index, which relates to height and weight, and where a measurement above or equal to 30 indicates obesity (see reference 5). New staging methods such as the Edmonton Obesity Staging take into consideration the complications of obesity as well. Like many other chronic diseases, obesity requires long-term management to ensure that the weight you lose stays off. Your body fights weight loss; if you thought losing those few kilograms was a challenge, then maintaining the weight loss is an even bigger challenge. Start your journey with your doctor — it's a partnership. Set short-, medium- and long-term goals, and not just for weight loss but more importantly for health gain. You will be part of a team who will give you dietary advice and encourage you to do regular physical activity. Your doctor might recommend using medication or other medical interventions. You may start to notice gradual and positive changes in your life, and the health improvements that you don't even see are as important. So remember, obesity is not simply due to an individual's choice or lack of willpower — it is a chronic disease. Seek treatment from a qualified healthcare professional and remember the focus is on long-term health gains.·The writer is Professor of Health Sciences, Medical Manager, Novo Nordisk, Qatar References:Prevalence of Obesity | World Obesity FederationWorld Obesity Atlas 2025Horn et al. Postgrad Med 2022;134:359–75.Lau D et al. Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guide-lines: The Science of Obesity. Available from https://obesitycanada.ca/guidelines/science.Adult clinical practice guideline | Obesity Canada

Doctors and healthcare specialists at the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) urged diabetic patients to take necessary precautions during the holy month of Ramadan to ensure safe fasting and effectively manage their condition.Health experts emphasize that consulting healthcare providers is crucial before starting fasting, as doctors and diabetes health educators can provide personalized guidance on medication timing, dosage adjustments, and whether fasting is medically suitable for each patient.A group of healthcare specialists managing the MoPH's Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Program told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that, according to medical guidelines, certain groups should not fast, including individuals using multiple insulin injections daily, children with diabetes, and pregnant women with diabetes.They confirmed that these restrictions aim to prevent serious complications, such as severe fluctuations in blood sugar levels. However, diabetic patients who do not use insulin treatment and maintain stable sugar levels without kidney or liver complications may fast safely after obtaining medical approval.Health experts in the Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Program stress that frequent blood sugar monitoring is essential throughout Ramadan. They recommend testing at least four times daily, particularly during the first week of the holy month, noting that checking blood sugar does not break the fast.Patients should maintain sugar levels between 100-200 mg/dL, and if levels drop below 70 mg/dL or rise above 300 mg/dL, fasting should be stopped immediately for safety. Symptoms of low blood sugar should never be ignored.Healthcare providers advise drinking 8 to 12 cups of water between Iftar and Suhoor to prevent dehydration.Suhoor meals should include protein sources such as cheese, milk, and eggs, alongside fiber-rich foods like oats, beans, lentils, and chickpeas to help prevent low blood sugar during fasting hours.Foods that cause rapid blood sugar spikes, such as juices, dates, pastries, and sweets, should be consumed with caution. Fresh whole fruits are preferred over juices due to their fiber content. When consuming starches such as rice, pasta, or bread, portions should be moderate and eaten after vegetables and protein to reduce rapid sugar spikes. Grilled foods are recommended over fried items, and vegetables should be included in all meals.MoPH experts advised diabetic patients to check blood sugar before driving, especially during fasting hours. Physical activity should be avoided during fasting, particularly immediately before Iftar.Patients taking blood pressure or cholesterol medications should consult their doctors regarding any necessary adjustments during Ramadan.Family support plays a key role in helping diabetic patients maintain healthy habits throughout the month. Healthcare providers note that Ramadan offers the entire family an opportunity to adopt healthier lifestyle patterns together.Patients should always carry glucose tablets, sweets, or juice to manage potential low blood sugar episodes. Suhoor meals should be delayed as much as possible to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia during fasting hours.Health officials also advised diabetic patients to continue taking all prescribed medications and consult healthcare providers with any questions regarding their treatment regimen during Ramadan.

Diabetes Qatar organised a specialised training course for school nurses on January 30-31 at its headquarters, with 23 participants, aimed at strengthening school nurses' competencies and equipping them to safely and effectively support students living with diabetes within the school environment.The course is part of Diabetes Qatar's ongoing efforts to raise health awareness and develop the professional skills of personnel working in the educational sector, helping ensure a safe and supportive school environment for students with diabetes and reducing risks associated with emergency situations.The training programme included scientific lectures and practical workshops covering methods for managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, carbohydrate counting as a key factor in controlling blood glucose levels, and the importance of proper nutrition and physical activity for students’ health.The course also addressed the use of the latest monitoring technologies, such as continuous glucose monitoring sensors and insulin pumps, and their roles in improving the quality of life for students living with diabetes and in facilitating accurate, continuous glucose monitoring.In addition, the course featured interactive training sessions designed to prepare participants for everyday situations that students with diabetes may face in schools, including organising meal times, monitoring blood sugar levels before and after sports classes, and responding rapidly to emergencies to ensure student safety and prevent health complications.At the conclusion of the course, participants received certificates of participation.Diabetes Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its efforts to qualify school nursing staff and enhance the level of care and support provided to students with diabetes within the educational environment. 

Qatar has set an ambitious target to achieve diabetes control by 2030, launching an aggressive prevention campaign as health officials reveal thousands of residents are living with the disease without knowing it.The comprehensive national action plan combines community outreach programmes, enhanced screening efforts, and targeted interventions aimed at reducing prevalence rates and preventing deaths from diabetes and related non-communicable diseases.As the country prepares to host the prestigious International Diabetes Federation World Diabetes Congress in 2027, Diabetes Qatar is intensifying efforts — from shopping malls to workplaces — to identify at-risk individuals and reverse what has become one of the nation's most pressing public health challenges.Prevention of diabetes is one of the key healthcare priorities for Qatar and several programmes along with a strong action plan are being chalked out to achieve this goal, a senior official of Diabetes Qatar has told Gulf Times.“Currently we are focusing on preventing diabetes among the population of the country. Our efforts are focused on this direction and we are engaged in several such activities to achieve this goal,” said, Dr Abdullah al-Hamaq, executive director of Diabetes Qatar.Dr al-Hamaq said that several people are still living with diabetes but are unaware of it and Diabetes Qatar is taking steps to raise awareness about the condition among the public.Diabetes Qatar is an entity under Qatar Foundation and an official organisation in the fight against diabetes in the country. Previously known as Qatar Diabetes Association, the organisation was established in 1995 to support adults, children and families living with diabetes in managing the disease and avoid debilitating complications and maintain good quality of life.“Diabetes and obesity are among the most pressing public health challenges of our time. Prevention is very important and it is the best way to overcome the challenges of diabetes. Now, we are designing some prevention programmes. These programmes are created in such a way that everyone in the country can benefit from it and follow their own schedules to overcome diabetes,” explained, Dr al-Hamaq.“Qatar has a real action plan for diabetes control to be realised by 2030. We are implementing it properly to make life expectancy grow in Qatar with lower deaths from diabetes and other non-communicable diseases,” he underlined.Al-Hamaq stated that as part of the awareness campaign, teams from Diabetes Qatar regularly visit malls, organisations and many other public places to raise awareness about diabetes among the population of the country.“We are focusing on the visit to the malls and other public places just to teach about diabetes and to inform them about the dangers posed by it. So, we meet people and conduct random tests. This turns out to be an opportunity as we discover people who have diabetes. We advise them to go to the health centres to take their detailed blood test and start efforts to bring down the diabetes level and get rid of it completely,” he described.The official said that diabetes prevalence rate in the country has come down marginally as per the latest STEP wise survey conducted in 2023. “The prevailing rate of diabetes is lesser than the previous survey conducted in 2012. It has dropped by 0.3% from what it has been in 2012. Though marginal, it shows that we have been able to manage diabetes and control it well,” Dr al-Hamaq noted.Qatar, last year launched National Action Plan on Obesity, Diabetes, and Modifiable Risk Factors for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease 2024-2030, a pivotal step towards reducing their prevalence and impact on the community.The action plan aims at several areas such as obesity reduction, enhanced diabetes management and risk factors control among others.Meanwhile, Dr al-Hamaq revealed that preparations are well underway to host the International Diabetes Federation World Diabetes Congress 2027 to be held in Doha.He noted: “Qatar’s hosting of the congress is a milestone for the country and for the entire region. The International Diabetes Federation Congress is one of the most significant global events dedicated to combating diabetes, bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, and patient advocates from around the world to exchange knowledge and develop solutions to address the growing prevalence of the disease.”“Selecting Qatar to host the 2027 congress underscores the nation’s commitment to advancing its healthcare sector and making a lasting impact on global efforts to combat diabetes,” he added. 

The world marks World Diabetes Day on November 14 each year, with the aim of raising global awareness to combat the disease and its complications, as well as focusing on ways to prevent it and manage it after diagnosis.This year's World Diabetes Day centers around a global call for various sectors to participate in and support the "Diabetes in the Workplace” initiative.The global rise in diabetes is seen as a developmental and social challenge rather than merely an individual health crisis. International reports reveal alarming figures regarding the disease’s prevalence and the proportion of undiagnosed individuals, along with the increasing economic costs associated with it.According to the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of adults living with diabetes worldwide has surpassed 800mn, more than quadrupling since 1990. Most of them are between the ages of 20 and 79. It is estimated that about 43% of people with diabetes are unaware of their condition, putting them at risk of serious complications, even though the disease can often be managed early. Projections also indicate that nearly 81% of people with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries.Statistics show that in 2024, global diabetes-related health expenditure surpassed $1 trillion.According to international data, the geographical distribution of the disease is uneven. Low- and middle-income countries bear a greater burden in terms of the number of people affected and the proportion of untreated cases. The economic cost is also catastrophic, placing a heavy strain on the health systems of these countries. This means that diabetes is not merely a health issue but also a challenge that impacts the economies of many nations.Many specialists indicate that changing lifestyles are among the main causes of diabetes, manifested in factors such as weight gain, lack of physical activity, and changes in dietary habits. The rise in cases alongside these factors suggests that the fight against the disease is not only a medical one but also requires a comprehensive societal culture and broad scientific awareness.Regarding the efforts made annually by the Qatar Diabetes Association to support people with diabetes, Executive Director of Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) Dr Abdullah al-Hamaq told Qatar News Agency (QNA) in an exclusive statement that the Association organizes more than 50 awareness activities each year. These include workshops, seminars, early screening campaigns, and camps for children with diabetes or at risk of developing it.He added that the association provides direct support to over 3,000 patients annually through educational programmes, psychological support, and nutritional guidance, in addition to national campaigns, such as "World Diabetes Day" and "Steps Towards Health," to raise community awareness. The association also collaborates with schools, universities, and various workplaces to promote a culture of prevention and healthy management of the disease, he added.On a global scale, he noted that awareness is increasing, but diabetes complications, such as heart and kidney diseases, remain prevalent due to inadequate follow-up or delayed diagnosis.The Executive Director of Qatar Diabetes Association explained that recent scientific advances in diabetes prevention focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, engaging in regular physical activity, and following a balanced diet. As for management after diagnosis, he said that rapid developments include continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices and new medications, such as SGLT2 and GLP-1 inhibitors, which improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.Dr. al-Hamaq recommends that individuals with Type 1 diabetes adhere to their insulin regimen, undergo continuous monitoring, and receive psychological support. He also advises those with Type 2 diabetes to modify their lifestyle, take oral medications or injections, and follow up regularly.He added that the proper approach to living with the disease, across different cases, lies in maintaining a balance between nutrition, physical activity, and treatment; along with essential psychological and social support, particularly for children and adolescents, in addition to ensuring regular medical checkups to adjust treatment as needed, as well as self-education about the disease and its complications.Regarding the complications that affect the organ functions of the affected person, and thus their activity and productivity, Dr. al-Hamq said that complications for the heart are represented by an increased risk of coronary heart disease, for the kidneys by the development of chronic kidney disease, for the eye by retinopathy which may lead to vision loss, for the nerves by peripheral neuropathy which affects movement and sensation, and for the skin and wounds complications are represented by slow wound healing and an increased risk of infection.The QDA executive director concluded his statements regarding global scientific and medical efforts aimed at finding a cure for diabetes, saying that so far there is no approved definitive cure that achieves a complete cure for Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. However, he pointed out that there are promising research in the field of stem cells and pancreatic islet transplantation, and this may contribute to changing the future of treating the disease, noting that this is still in the experimental stage.Among the goals that specialist physicians seek to achieve are raising awareness about the impact of diabetes on society, encouraging early diagnosis, supporting those affected, raising awareness of ways to prevent diabetes or delay its onset through following a healthy diet, with the necessity of exercising physical activity, strengthening the role of the family in health education about the treatment of diabetes and the prevention of its complications, in addition to increasing awareness of the warning signs of its infection, as well as providing medicines, technologies, support, and care to all diabetic patients who need them.