Over 500 Doctors Descend Into Abu Dhabi to Attend the 1st International Abu Dhabi Diabetes Congress

Abu Dhabi Hosts Inaugural Congress 12 - 14 March 2010

ABU DHABI, UAE, March 15, 2010 - The 1st International Abu Dhabi Diabetes Congress kicked off
today with over 500 of the leading diabetologists and healthcare
professionals from around the world in attendance.

The Congress opened with keynote lecture from leading
diabetologist Dr James Meigs, of Harvard University, USA, who addressed the
issues surrounding the identification and prevention of diabetes mellitus.
Further debate ensued throughout the day with lectures from specialists
across the UAE, Europe and the USA, covering the different topics around
diabetes.

H.E. Engineer Zaid Al Siksek, CEO of HAAD said: "We are
delighted with the turnout for the congress, and are confident that the
opportunity to hear and speak with the world's leading diabetologists, will
provide essential knowledge transfer for all attendees, especially those from
the UAE that face a huge challenge in reducing the burden of diabetes within
our community. We, as the Health Authority recognize diabetes as our top
public health priority and are putting our full resources into tackling this
condition. The 1st International Abu Dhabi Diabetes Congress is just one of
many things we are doing to assist our healthcare professionals in dealing
with this endemic problem."

Sunday's congress will open with a keynote lecture from
Professor Edwin Gale of Bristol University, UK who will address insulin
therapy. Other lectures will include Diabetes in Childhood and Pregnancy, the
treatment of Type II diabetes and the latest research that addresses the
quality of care and treatment for patients.

According to latest research, The UAE has the second highest
levels of diabetes in the world, with over 20% of people in the region
suffering from this life threatening disorder. Prevalence of diabetes for the
region is similar between men and women; however, percentages are slightly
higher in men under 60 years and women over 60 years. (Wild et al. 2004) As
the population grows in the UAE these figures are expected to increase
further still.

The 1st International Abu Dhabi Diabetes Congress is an
opportunity for healthcare professionals across the world and particularly
the UAE, to observe and share best practice.

For more information on the congress and to register please
visit: www.addc.gr/site/

    For more information:
    Rami Adwan
    Media Specialist
    Health Authority - Abu Dhabi
    Tel: +971-2-4913-318
    email: radwan@haad.ae

For more information: Rami Adwan, Media Specialist, Health Authority - Abu Dhabi, Tel: +971-2-4913-318, email: radwan at haad.ae