Emirates Diabetes Society Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus – 2020

Abstract

Rapid urbanisation and socioeconomic development in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have led to the widespread adoption of a sedentary lifestyle and Westernised diet in the local population and consequently a high prevalence of obesity and diabetes. In 2019, International Diabetes Federation statistics reported a diabetes prevalence rate of 16.3% for the adult population in the UAE. In view of the wealth of recent literature on diabetes care and new pharmacotherapeutics, the Emirates Diabetes Society convened a panel of experts to update existing local guidelines with international management recommendations. The goal is to improve the standard of care for people with diabetes through increased awareness of these management practices among healthcare providers licensed by national health authorities. These consensus guidelines address the screening, diagnosis and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults including individuals at risk of developing the disease.

Effects of Diabetes Prevention Education Program for Overweight and Obese Subjects with a Family History of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study from the United Arab Emirates

“…Considering the high prevalence of T2DM in the UAE, the recently published Emirates Diabetes Society Guidelines recommended screening for diabetes in all adults > 30 years old with first-degree relatives with T2DM. 13 A comprehensive lifestyle modification program should be offered to individuals at risk of developing T2DM, including weight management, medical nutrition therapy, and exercise. Diabetes prevention correlated most strongly with weight loss with 16.0% risk reduction per kg of weight loss.…”

Empowering Patients for Healthy Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Self-Care Using the Diabetes Score Questionnaire

“…In resource-limited settings such as developing countries, where the largest numbers of diabetes patients reside, frequent blood tests and physician visits may not be feasible. Innovative approaches are needed to focus on low-cost, nonpharmacological interventions such as lifestyle change [16].…”

“…2). By focusing on patient empowerment, Diabetes Score can be a part of a holistic framework for diabetes care [16].…”

Consensus Recommendations by the Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology: Optimising Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

“…[ 12 ] In contrast, guidelines from India and the United Arab Emirates use the following: HbA 1c ≥6.5%, FPG ≥7 mmol/l, or 2-hour PG ≥11.1 mmol/l during OGTT. [ 13 , 14 ]…”