Diabetes, a major global health challenge, Kuwait prepared with top care
Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, Minister of Health, highlighted diabetes as a significant global health challenge and stressed the ministry's dedication to offering top-notch care through the latest medical technologies and treatments at the ‘First International Conference on Advanced Diabetes Care’.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, stressed that diabetes is one of the biggest health challenges facing the world, emphasizing the ministry’s keenness to provide the best care for patients by offering the latest medical devices and medicines.
In his opening speech at the First International Conference on Advanced Diabetes Care, organized by Dasman Diabetes Institute, one of the centers of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, Al-Awadhi said that diabetes is one of the most important and common chronic diseases, not only in Kuwait but also worldwide. He pointed out that it is the main cause of many serious health complications and the second-largest cause, after road accidents, of diabetic foot amputation.
Al-Awadhi added that diabetes causes heart and artery diseases, heart attacks, strokes, loss of vision, and kidney failure.
Moreover, Al-Awadhi also emphasized the importance of holding this conference to discuss all aspects related to diabetes, including prevention, treatment, and management of complications. He hoped that the outcomes of this conference would positively reflect on the level of health services provided and strengthen scientific ties between Kuwait and advanced international centers, some of which are participating in this event.
Al-Awadhi stated that the 3-day conference serves as a scientific platform that brings together a group of international and local researchers and experts to discuss the latest scientific and research developments related to diabetes, as well as review innovative prevention methods, treatments, and management of the disease’s complications.
Importantly, Al-Awadhi pointed out that Dasman Diabetes Institute is a pioneer in the field of diabetes research and treatment in the Middle East. This conference is seen as an exceptional opportunity to communicate, exchange knowledge, and enhance cooperation between healthcare professionals, as well as all parties concerned with combating diabetes.
Al-Awadhi also highlighted the achievements of Dasman Diabetes Institute and its continued delivery of a great message in combating diabetes. He praised the institute’s comprehensive approach, which includes advanced research, integrated prevention, and the training and qualification of healthcare providers using innovative methods to fight this chronic disease.
In a statement to reporters after the opening, the Minister of Health noted that diabetes is one of the biggest challenges facing the world, and the patient may require dialysis, a kidney transplant, or suffer from diabetic foot complications. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to providing the latest medical devices and modern medicines to offer the best medical care.
Al-Awadhi stressed that Kuwait, with all its cadres, institutions, hospitals, equipment, medicines, and scientific research, serves the interests of the people of Kuwait and residents on its land, in addition to promoting comprehensive awareness, particularly regarding the dangers of obesity.
The Acting Director General of Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dr. Faisal Al-Rifai, said that the conference, in which more than 400 doctors, researchers, and specialists from Kuwait, the Gulf, and the world are participating, sheds light on diabetes as one of the most important and common chronic diseases, not only in Kuwait but in countries around the world as a whole.
Al-Rifai stated that the institute was keen to organize this comprehensive conference, which delves into all aspects of diabetes, including advanced research on diabetes, its causes and prevention, the latest treatment recommendations, and dealing with and preventing complications.
Furthermore, Al-Rifai explained that the conference serves as an exceptional opportunity to communicate, exchange knowledge, and enhance cooperation between healthcare professionals, researchers, experts, and all parties concerned with diabetes, aimed at benefiting the health of community members.
Al-Rifai also mentioned that the conference addresses several aspects related to diabetes and its complications, which may affect the heart, arteries, eyesight, kidneys, feet, and other organs.
In conclusion Al-Rifai stated that one in five people in Kuwait suffers from diabetes, and five GCC countries are among the ten countries with the highest prevalence of diabetes, warning about the seriousness of the disease’s complications.
Source: Al Rai