DOHA: At present, about 1,000 children with diabetes are being managed at the Paediatric Endocrine and Diabetes Unit at the National Diabetes Centre at Hamad General Hospital (HGH). Of these approximately 150 receive insulin regularly via the insulin pump therapy, according to an expert.
Children with diabetes are referred from primary health care centres and Paediatric Emergency Centres to the Paediatric Endocrine and Diabetes Unit at the National Diabetes Centre at HGH.
Head of the Paediatric Endocrine and Diabetes Unit Dr Fawziya Al Khalaf said “At the unit, we offer highly specialized treatment and management to each and every child with diabetes. The availability of a multidisciplinary team comprising of a paediatric diabetologist, diabetes educator, dietician, psychologist, and social worker who work collaboratively with the child’s family, ensures that the child receives the best possible diabetic care.”
He was speaking at a conference organised by the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) to highlight and discuss the prevalence of childhood diabetes in Qatar, as well as the latest diagnostic and management techniques for the condition.
The conference, which featured scientific presentations and panel sessions, was attended by more than 300 healthcare professionals, including senior physicians, endocrinologists, nurses and other allied health professionals.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs as a result of increased levels of glucose (blood sugar) in the blood. The condition is broadly categorized into two types: type 1, in which the body does not produce any insulin and a hormone is required to break sugar into energy needed for daily life, and type 2, in which the body fails to respond to insulin.
Dr Ahmed El Awwa, Consultant Pediatric Endocrine and Diabetes at HGH said: “The most prevalent type of diabetes in children is type 1, which is found in 90 percent of children affected with diabetes; these children require insulin treatment at all times,” Dr El Awwa said.
He added that the number of children and young adults affected by type 2 diabetes is beginning to rise, particularly with the increase of obesity and improper diets. However, it can be prevented through diet control and weight reduction strategies.
The Peninsula
