World Diabetes Day
Early diagnosis and screening essential for controlling diabetes
"People may have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, therefore early screening and diagnosis is essential for patients' safety", said Dr Abdul Jabbar, Professor and Head of Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). He was speaking at a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on 'Update on Managing Type 2 Diabetes' to commemorate ‘World Diabetes Day'.
Diet and exercise serve as first line therapies once diagnosis confirms diabetes mellitus (DM). Oral medication, if needed, may be given in addition to diet and exercise.
Patients must have a good glycemic control to preserve quality of their lives, and knowing when and how to start insulin is important to optimal management of type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes often delay insulin treatment as they erroneously consider this risky and difficult. In fact it can aggravate risk of future complications.
Complications of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were outlined by AKUH's Consultant Endocrinologist, Dr Aisha Sheikh in her presentation on 'Diabetes and Pregnancy'. She recommended early screening of all pregnant women for gestational diabetes as the condition can be associated with several maternal and foetal complications.
Dr Najm-ul-Islam, Associate Professor and Consultant Endocrinologist at AKUH discussed newly developed anti-diabetic agents, their action mechanism and usage symptoms. He said that improved glucose control with the help of these agents leads to a decrease in complications of diabetes. Studies found all such agents equally good at lowering glucose if administered appropriately.
The programme ‘Diabetes in Children and Adolescents' included a public awareness session, a poster competition for young people and a quiz competition. A free health camp for blood glucose level testing was also available. Two young diabetic children shared their experiences of living a normal life with support of insulin injections.
AKU regularly organises CME seminars and workshops. These programmes are designed to provide current, practical update on the management of medical problems faced by primary care physicians and specialists.
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