An expert from the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has advised the public to ignore a video circulating on social networks claiming that diabetes can be cured through a weekly injection.
Professor Abdul-Badi Abou-Samra, chairman of Internal Medicine at HMC, calls the information contained in the video baseless and is urging individuals with diabetes to continue using the treatments prescribed by their medical doctors. He has also stressed the importance of patients not altering their treatment plan without first consulting their physician.
“Currently, there is no injection or medicine that cures diabetes completely. There are many medications that help to lower blood sugar levels, but these are not a cure. Prescribed medical treatments vary according to a patient’s age, the type and stage of his or her diabetes, and any complications and co-existing conditions the patient may have,” he said.
“HMC provides care for diabetic patients through a multidisciplinary approach in accordance with the highest international standards. All the treatments used at HMC are universally accepted for the treatment of diabetes. Treatment plans are individual. The success of a particular treatment for some patients does not mean that the same treatment will be effective for all patients,” Professor Abou-Samra said.
He added that HMC clinicians are undertaking a number of research studies to compare the effectiveness of different treatments for diabetes, as well as their side effects.
“No single prescription can apply to all patients. The type and dosage of medicine prescribed will differ according to each patient’s specific condition. For instance, patients with type 1 diabetes, whatever their age, and some patients with type 2 diabetes whose pancreas become unable to produce enough insulin, must take insulin injections. This may not be replaced by another drug,” said, Professor Abou-Samra.
The expert said that following a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet and getting adequate physical exercise, can help prevent the disease. He added that if their diabetes diagnosed in the early stages, patients may not require medication and instead be able to manage the disease with lifestyle changes.
“At any stage of the disease, the patient will still need to adhere to a healthy diet and get appropriate physical exercise. Medication alone is not sufficient if the patient’s lifestyle is unhealthy.”