Health sector leaders call on community members for early screening and to promote diabetes prevention

Dubai, November 14 / WAM / The Ministry of Health and Community Protection participates with countries around the world in commemorating World Diabetes Day, which falls on November 14 of each year under the slogan “Diabetes through the Stages of Life.” Calling on health authorities to combat this disease through preventive programs and early diagnosis strategies to protect community health and establish a culture of prevention as a national priority within the sustainable health care system.

His Excellency Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Community Protection, stressed that combating diabetes is a national priority in which efforts are integrated to enhance the quality of healthy life through a national strategy and an integrated health system that transforms care into a proactive path that protects society and improves its quality of life by working with health and concerned authorities as one team to enhance community health and sustain its well-being.

His Excellency explained that the expansion of early diagnosis capabilities using smart systems has enhanced disease control indicators by expanding the scope of screening and reaching multiple categories, calling on community members to take the initiative to conduct early screenings to detect pre-diabetes cases because of their direct impact on prevention and reducing infection rates of the disease.

For his part, His Excellency Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, said on the occasion of World Diabetes Day that diabetes is a global health challenge, but the possibility of preventing type 2 of it remains high due to its close connection to the individual’s lifestyle. This is in line with our vision in Abu Dhabi towards smart, proactive health care that protects members of society before infection and gives them the opportunity to enjoy a long, healthy life.

He added that in this context, the smart analysis platform for population health came as a qualitative step that enhances our ability to prevent chronic diseases, especially diabetes. This platform collects integrated data from clinical and environmental sources and daily life habits, which gives us a more comprehensive view of health trends and allows us to intervene early and formulate evidence-based decisions to enhance community health.

His Excellency pointed out that, thanks to the smart system based on data, we have developed a group of proactive programs, including the comprehensive periodic examination program “Inspect,” which enabled us to identify the groups most at risk of infection and provide them with the necessary guidance and support. We also launched the personal weight management program, which provides, under the supervision of specialists, customized support to help individuals reach and maintain a healthy weight in a safe and sustainable way.

His Excellency called on all members of society to adopt a lifestyle based on prevention by regular check-ups, following a healthy diet, and practicing physical activity, as this has a direct impact on enhancing their health and quality of life.

For his part, His Excellency Dr. Alawi Al Sheikh Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority, confirmed that the UAE has made great and important progress in combating diabetes and reducing the incidence of this chronic disease.

He said that the project to expand early detection services for the citizens of the Emirate of Dubai, which was recently launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai, represents an important shift in reducing the incidence of chronic diseases, especially diabetes. The project is also a strong impetus for strengthening the country’s directions and goals in this regard.

His Excellency added that the Dubai Health Authority spares no effort in establishing healthy patterns among society and raising the quality of life by implementing programs and initiatives that motivate community members to engage in sports activities, pay attention to physical fitness, and healthy eating habits that support the health well-being of all.

He explained that the Authority is focusing its efforts to combat diabetes on early detection of the disease and its causes, and that in light of this, it is conducting a health survey of all families at the level of the Emirate of Dubai to determine the health status and nature of the lifestyles of the emirate’s residents.

He pointed out that the last health survey, which was conducted at the end of 2024, showed important positive results, as the incidence of diabetes decreased from 13.7 percent in 2019 to 12.9 percent in 2024. The same applies to health problems associated with diabetes, including obesity, the rate of which decreased in children (5-17 years) from 17.3 percent in 2019 to 16.9 percent in 2024. The rate of physical activity also recorded a significant positive jump, as it rose from 19.9 percent in 2019 to 36.9 percent in 2024.

For his part, His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Saeed Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority, stressed that reducing the spread of diabetes constitutes a fundamental pillar of the emirate’s direction towards a healthier society that is more aware of prevention. The authority works within an interconnected system that brings together medical personnel, community initiatives, and modern digital systems, which allows early monitoring of cases, enhances rapid intervention, and consolidates the concept of proactive care.

His Excellency pointed out that developing the capabilities of early diagnosis of diabetes in health centers and introducing advanced technologies to monitor health indicators contributed to raising the effectiveness of early detection programs and expanding the scope of beneficiaries.

He called on community members to regularly undergo regular check-ups and adopt healthy behaviors that help reduce infection rates and improve quality of life…stressing that diabetes prevention protects the healthy future of society.

• For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter