Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The urgent need for integrated care for patients with multiple conditions, particularly those living with diabetes, dominated a discussion session on the final day of the Arab Health Congress 2025.
The session, titled "Breaking the Cycle: A Shift from Reacting to Preventing Disease" was attended by Dr. Emad George, Consultant Endocrinologist & Diabetologist, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre; Dr. Farhana Bin Lootah, Consultant in Internal Medicine & Head of Cardiometabolic Renal Clinic - Imperial College London Diabetes Centre; Dr. Waleed Farag, Specialist Cardiologist, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre; and Dr. Bahaa Shaath, Consultant Nephrologist, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre.
The session emphasised the importance of collaboration between cardiology, endocrinology, nephrology, and pulmonology specialities in treating diabetic patients who are prone to complications.
"We shared our experiences and what we need to do for our patients in order to prevent the conditions they have, and to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. As we know, chronic kidney disease became the seventh leading cause of death worldwide," Dr. Shaath, Consultant Nephrologist at Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, who attended the event, told Aletihad.
The session also discussed a new syndrome recognised by the American Heart Association in 2023, called Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome.
According to Cleveland Clinic, CKM syndrome is a complex disorder made up of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
"This is a syndrome affecting multiple organs, so we need to detect it early. A multidisciplinary team approach ensures that patients receive a comprehensive treatment plan that aligns with all specialities, ensuring coordinated care. When we all work together in one setting, the treatment plan is agreed upon by all physicians, preventing conflicting medications from being prescribed," Dr. Farag told Aletihad.
They also discussed the types of cardiac complications that diabetic patients can have. "For example, 24% to 53% of CKD patients have concomitant heart failure. Additionally, 25% to 40% of diabetic patients have heart failure. When you combine these factors, about 16% of patients face three major complications: heart failure, CKD, and diabetes. These patients are the most affected. Early recognition and early intervention are key," Dr. Farag said.
In terms of the role of technology, Dr. Farag said: "We use advanced lab technology, including genetic testing to identify patient subtypes, allowing us to provide tailored medications. We also use innovative drugs to help treat the heart, kidney, and diabetes simultaneously."
He continued: "Within the Mubadala M42 group, we are also working with Cleveland Clinic to offer advanced therapies for complicated hypertension, like renal denervation, to better manage blood pressure in resistant cases."
Dr. Bahaa noted that they are working on new biomarkers for early detection of kidney and cardiovascular diseases. "Currently, microalbumin is an excellent marker for both. AI programmes are helping to create panels of biomarkers for better early detection," he added.
