Burjeel Holdings, the region’s leading super-specialty healthcare provider, offers an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to diabetes care across its facilities. Embracing a collaborative culture, Burjeel Medical City (BMC), Burjeel, Medeor, LLH and Lifecare hospitals bring together expertise across diverse specialties to provide coordinated, specialized care aimed at preventing complications and promoting healthier outcomes. This World Diabetes Day, Burjeel Holdings is highlighting its commitment to comprehensive diabetes management by addressing not only the physical aspects of the disease but also the lifestyle and psychological dimensions required for effective, holistic care.

Obesity is one of the most important risk factors for type 2 diabetes and directly affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, increases insulin resistance, leading to increased blood sugar levels and increased health risks. This condition usually develops gradually and patients are sometimes unaware of its effects until complications arise. Research shows that even moderate weight loss can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes.

“Research has shown that if you have diabetes, losing about 5 percent to 15 percent of your body weight can put your diabetes into remission. This may mean stopping your diabetes medications altogether. If you do this closer to diagnosis, it is more likely to happen,” says Dr. Aamir Naeem.

At Burjeel Holdings, obesity management is an integral part of diabetes care, involving nutritionists and endocrinologists who work closely with patients to implement sustainable weight loss strategies. Thanks to personalized nutrition plans and medical interventions, patients are supported on their journey to a healthier life.

Childhood diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes, is becoming a growing concern, and more children are being diagnosed at younger ages. Although type 1 diabetes is often caused by genetic factors, lifestyle problems such as malnutrition, sedentary habits, and increasing childhood obesity lead to an increase in type 2 diabetes in children. Childhood diabetes presents unique challenges that require education and emotional support. Burjeel Holdings places special emphasis on pediatric diabetes care, offering a compassionate, family-centered approach.

BMC Pediatric Endocrinologist Consultant Dr. “Early nutrition education and promotion of physical activity are critical to reversing this trend,” says Yasmeen Nisa Ganie. Pediatric endocrinologists, nutritionists, and psychologists collaborate to educate young patients and their families about diabetes management, ensuring children develop healthy habits early in life.

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and affects women who did not previously have diabetes. It poses risks for the mother, such as high blood pressure and the risk of type 2 diabetes in the future, and for the baby, such as excess birth weight and possible metabolic problems. At Burjeel Holdings, expert prenatal care teams work with expectant mothers to monitor and manage blood sugar levels through personalized treatment.

Abu Dhabi Medeor Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Dr. “Routine screenings during pregnancy and postpartum are crucial to reduce these risks,” says Eman Samir.

Diabetic nephropathy, a serious complication of diabetes, occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the filtering system of the kidneys, gradually leading to kidney disease. Early diagnosis is key to slowing progression, but symptoms often go unnoticed initially, making screenings vital. Burjeel Holdings brings together endocrinologists and nephrologists to deliver comprehensive care to people who are at risk for diabetic nephropathy or have diabetes.

BMC Consultant Nephrologist and Organ Transplant Doctor Dr. “Regular kidney function tests are essential for diabetics to detect and manage problems early,” emphasizes Ishthiaque Ahamed.

Diabetic neuropathy, caused by long-term high blood sugar, primarily affects the nerves in the legs and feet, but can also affect various parts of the body. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling and severe pain, and if left uncontrolled can lead to infections or ulcers. Neuropathy significantly impacts quality of life by affecting mobility and daily activities. Dr. Neurologist, Burjeel Royal Hospital, Asharej. “Managing diabetic neuropathy requires a team approach that includes endocrinologists, pain specialists, and physical therapists,” explains Najo Jomaa.

Diabetes and heart health are closely linked, as high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease. Diabetic individuals are more prone to developing cardiovascular problems such as coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke. That’s why managing heart health is a very important aspect of diabetes care. At Burjeel Holdings, cardiologists work with endocrinologists to monitor and manage patients’ cardiovascular health, offering regular screenings, lifestyle guidance and targeted treatments.

Abu Dhabi Burjeel Hospital Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology Consultant Dr. “Through proactive screening and management, we enable patients with diabetes to protect their cardiovascular health,” says Koshy Georgey.

Effective management of diabetes requires a holistic, multidisciplinary approach. “An integrated team can provide tailored care plans that improve both immediate symptoms and long-term health outcomes. Diabetes is not a singular problem but a complex one that requires a coordinated strategy,” emphasizes Consultant in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine at Al Reem Island Burjeel Day Surgery Center Dr. Mohammad Fityan, CMO.

Burjeel Holdings’ multi-specialty approach exemplifies what diabetes care should look like; It focuses on the whole person, not just the disease. Burjeel stands as a leader in diabetes management, committed to improving quality of life and creating a diabetes-aware community by combining expert medical care, advanced technology and patient education.