Dr Mahmoud Ali Zirie, Dr  Yousuf al-Maslamani and Colene Daniel inaugurating the the multi-cultural healthy food awareness expo at Hamad General Hospital.

Over 2,480 were screened at the Women’s, Al Khor and Al Wakrah Hospitals during the diabetes awareness events organised as part of the World Diabetes Day (WDD) celebrations and 32 were referred to the Primary Health Care Corporation for diabetes assessment.
The Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) hosted a series of events in November in recognition of WDD, screening thousands and raising awareness of how to better manage and prevent the disease.
“Raising awareness of diabetes through events such as WDD is very important to the work we do as diabetes educators. WDD events provide a platform for the spreading of messages about diabetes risk factors and symptoms and about the importance of good management as a strategy to help reduce the risk of complications for both type 1 and type 2 diabetics,” said Manal Othman, director of Diabetes Education at HMC.
HMC hosted public screenings across the country, education programmes in schools and workshops for healthcare professionals.
HMC also hosted a three-day multi-cultural ‘healthy food’ expo, which was officially opened on November 15 and featured a variety of cuisines, providing patients, visitors and members of the public with the opportunity to learn about healthier dietary options from diabetes educators and dietitians.
The expo also featured height, weight and BMI consultation as well as blood glucose screening. HMC staff also distributed 2016 diabetes calendars, diabetes identification cards, education materials and other giveaways.
“High-profile screening events are important because a large number of individuals with type 2 diabetes don’t know they have the disease. When left undiagnosed, or when not managed well, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications. Diabetes is a leading cause of preventable sight loss and is a major cause of lower limb amputation, kidney failure and stroke,” said Dr Mahmoud Ali Zirie, senior consultant and head of Endocrinology, Diabetes Division at HMC.
HMC also participated in a two-day exhibition at Sealine Beach Resort with Action on Diabetes. The event included diabetes screening and dietary counselling. Information sessions at local elementary and secondary schools were also held during the month, teaching students, nurses and cafeteria supervisory staff how to manage diabetes in the school environment.