Peter Morris (second left), CEO, Sidra Medicine, and Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani (third left), Director of Public Health Department at the Ministry of Public Health, with other officials during the opening session of CUDOS 2018 at QNCC.
DOHA: Advanced research and innovations in preventing and treating diabetes for mothers and children with or at risk of the disease is being discussed in Doha over three days.
The conference on understanding molecular mechanisms in cardiovascular biology, diabetes, obesity and stroke (CUDOS 2018) began yesterday at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).
The conference is hosted by Sidra Medicine under the theme ‘Childhood Diabetes: from Novel Discoveries to Clinical Practice.’ It aims at improving lives through cutting edge research and finding solutions for various problems associated with childhood diabetes and complications.
CUDOS 2018 has brought together hundreds of local and international academia, clinicians and different healthcare professionals.
“This is a truly important event addressing increasing challenges in healthcare, not just in Qatar but across the world. The global nature of this problem is well reflected from the international expertise assembled here,” said Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham, Vice Chair of the Board of Governors for Sidra Medicine, in a televised address during opening session of the conference.
“This event is rooted in developing practical implementable, improvements in care, that will encourage all to keep the needs of the patients in mind. At CUDOS 2018 we are here to discuss how to transfer novel discoveries into clinical practice,” he added.
In the Mena region, according to the International Diabetes Federation one in six live births are affected by hyperglycaemia in pregnancy and over a million children and adolescents have type 1 diabetes. A growing number of children are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. In Qatar 17% are diabetic, 11-20% have gestational diabetes and 5% of the population is pre-diabetic.
Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Director of Public Health Department at the Ministry of Public Health in his presentation on ‘Innovative Research in Reducing Diabetes Burden in Qatar’ highlighted that research is an important component in delivering public health.
“Research on diabetes is an investment in public health services. Research has to be evaluated and find the best practices to address the problem of childhood diabetes. Institutions should work together with international and local partners,” he said.
Peter Morris, CEO, Sidra Medicine, Christof von Kalle Chief Research Officer, Sidra Medicine, Dr Kholode Al Obaidli Chief Learning Officer, Sidra Medicine and Dr Ammira Sarah Akil Sidra Research Branch, Conference Chair and Organizer also addressed the opening session.
The programme of CUDOS 2018 includes keynote lectures, plenary sessions, experts opinions, round table discussions and posters presentations. An exhibition is also being held on the sidelines of the conference.
At the end of the conference, the participants are expected to identify, discuss and understand the research priorities for Type 1 diabetes in Qatar. Facilitate research development in understanding the environmental determinant of Type 1 diabetes and understand the potential in development of newer technologies for a cure to childhood obesity and Type 1 diabetes.
