QDA expands focus to intervention, prevention, personalised treatment

The Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA), a member of Qatar Foundation, is broadening its scope of work to encompass diabetes prevention, early intervention, and personalized treatment options. According to QDA executive director Dr Abdullah al-Hamaq, the association attracts approximately 48,000 annual visitors who gain access to a variety of medical, educational, and lifestyle services.

With around 9,000 registered members, the association offers an all-encompassing suite of services aimed at aiding diabetes management and fostering healthy lifestyles. These services include nutritional and wellness consultations, gym access, blood-glucose monitoring tools, test strips, blood-pressure monitors, and essential supplies.

Dr al-Hamaq emphasized that addressing diabetes in already afflicted individuals is merely a facet of the association's mission; prevention and public awareness are now integral components of their efforts. They encourage healthier dietary habits, regular physical activity, and routine health examinations to curb preventable risk factors.

The association is on the verge of hosting its annual conference in November, scheduled in conjunction with World Diabetes Day. The conference, themed "Diabetes: From Prevention to Personalized Treatment," is anticipated to gather international experts, specialists, and researchers to discuss recent advancements in diabetes prevention, treatment, and research.

A significant focus of the conference will be the swift transition towards precision and personalized medicine. Dr al-Hamaq highlighted that diabetes management cannot be achieved through a one-size-fits-all approach, as patients' medical conditions, risk profiles, and treatment requirements vary. Consequently, personalized care enables healthcare professionals to tailor interventions to each patient's unique characteristics and health status.