RIYADH: Regular exercise, wholesome dietary habits, healthy lifestyle and an increased awareness are some of best ways to protect the people in Saudi Arabia from developing Type 2 diabetes, a health disorder forerunner to many other medical complications, according to medical experts participating in a day-long symposium here, Monday. Philip David Home, Professor of Diabetes from Newcastle University, an internationally renowned expert of diabetes medicine, was the keynote speaker on the occasion. Dr. Harry Howlett from London, a specialist in diabetes research and education was the second speaker. He outlined the role of metformin in the management of patients with Type 2 diabetes. Metformin is used as a first line treatment of Type 2 diabetes in obese people. It is used when diet and exercise fail to control blood sugar levels. It can also be used in combination with other antidiabetic medicines to provide better control of blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease. Millions of people in Saudi Arabia and as in other parts of the world have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and many more are unaware they are at high risk. According to reports Saudi Arabia has an estimated incidence rate of 20 to 25 percent of diabetes and or related symptoms. With the diagnosis occurring at an earlier age, the diabetic population in the country is happened to be younger. The early onset of this health disorder leads to other medical complications preventing the Type 2 diabetics from living a full life they would wish, and all too often hinder them from contributing to the society, the symposium noted. A study has suggested the Kingdom to initiate a diabetes registry to study the epidemiology of this disease in the whole country. The incidence rate of childhood Type 1 diabetes increased alarmingly over the past 18 years, according to a study conducted in 2010. Medical experts at the symposium said Saudi Arabia is required to develop more facilities that promote physical exercise encouraging people to adopt to regular workouts and create awareness for healthy lifestyle. These are factors that can protect the people from developing Type 2 diabetes, they said. The symposium was organized by Merck Serono, a biopharmaceutical division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a global pharmaceutical and chemical company. The occasion has also seen the launch of Glucophage XR in Saudi Arabia for all new and improved diabetes treatment. Ali Sleiman, Therapeutic Area Manager in diabetes for Merck Serono Middle East, spoke about the importance of unveiling the new diabetes treatment in Saudi Arabia. Discussions held during the symposium made it very clear that the incidence of diabetes or related symptoms is on the rise in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
