Diabetes cases in the MENA region to increase to 135m by 2045, according to International Diabetes Federation

The growing prevalence of diabetes in the UAE and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region will be addressed by world-renowned industry experts at the Internal Medicine Conference, which takes place from 30- 31 January 2023 as part of the 2023 Arab Health Congress. World Diabetes Day, 14 November, draws attention to the critical figures from the International Diabetes Federation, which shows that more than one million people currently have diabetes in the UAE. This figure rises to 73 million for the MENA region and is expected to increase by 87% to 135.7m by 2045. This will significantly impact mortality and GDP due to productivity loss and increased healthcare expenditure. Factors contributing to the diabetes epidemic in the MENA region include unhealthy eating patterns due to increased income and urbanisation, lack of physical activity,  less emphasis on nutritional education and increased consumption of sugar and artificial sweeteners. Ross Williams (pictured), exhibition director for Informa Markets, organiser of the Arab Health Congress, says: “The theme for this year’s World Diabetes Day is ‘Education to protect tomorrow’. At Arab Health, we support this by providing a platform for some of the most informed minds to discuss how we address the region’s growing diabetes issues as the negative economic, and societal impact of the condition continues to be a cause for concern. “As part of the newly launched Internal Medicine Conference at Arab Health, we will have dedicated sessions designed to bring together stakeholders who are at the forefront of this issue, from government representatives to leading experts in the field of diabetes, each providing an insight into the immediate steps required to slow the growing number of diabetes cases in the region.” In addition to the Internal Medicine Conference, a further nine Continuing Medical Education (CME) conferences will take place during the four days of Arab Health 2023, returning to the Dubai World Trade Centre, 30 January–2 February, welcoming an anticipated 3,200 delegates and 550 international speakers. The event is supported by a host of government entities, including the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Government of Dubai, the Dubai Health Authority, the Department of Health, and the Dubai Healthcare City Authority. For more information or to register for the event, please visit www.arabhealthonline.com. Arab Health, established 48 years ago, is the largest healthcare event in the Middle East and is organised by Informa Markets.