Dr Abdulla Al Hamaq, Executive Director of Qatar Diabetes Association, with other officials during the symposium at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha yesterday. Pic: Salim Matramkot / The Peninsula
Doha: With the high prevalence of diabetes in the country, a symposium was held yesterday to promote the role of the family in the management of the condition.
‘Diabetes and Family’ symposium organised by the Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA), a member of the Qatar Foundation (QF), shed light of the role of the family in the management, care, prevention and education of diabetes.
“Family support in diabetes care has shown to have a substantial effect in improving health outcomes for people with diabetes. It is therefore important that ongoing diabetes self-management education and support be accessible to all people with diabetes and their families to reduce the emotional impact of the disease that can result in a negative quality of life,” said Dr Abdullah Al Hamaq, Executive Director of QDA.
“This symposium is being organised in line with the theme ‘The Family and Diabetes’ for World Diabetes Day 2018 and 2019. Studies have indicated that family members can improve the condition of people with diabetes, so we educate the health care professionals how they can involve the families in managing the condition of people with diabetes,” he added.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has chosen the theme ‘The Family and Diabetes’ for a two-year time frame to raise awareness on the impact that diabetes has on the family and support network of those affected. It also aims to promote the role of the family in the management, care, prevention and education of diabetes.
At least 17% of the population have diabetes in Qatar. Most of these cases are type 2 diabetes, which is largely preventable through regular physical activity, a healthy and balanced diet, and the promotion of healthy living environments.
Families have a key role to play in addressing the modifiable risk factors for type 2 diabetes and must be provided with the education, resources and environments to live a healthy lifestyle. “Like any chronic condition, diabetes can have an influence on the family of the person who has the illness.
Diabetes management can be quite complex, requiring life-long commitment and drastic changes to the patient’s lifestyle. Empirical studies have shown positive and significant relationships between social support and treatment adherence among patients with diabetes.
Social support from family provides patients with practical help and can buffer the stresses of living with illness,” said Dr Mahmoud Ali Zirie, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Diabetes and Endocrinology, at Hamad Medical Corporation.
