The Gulf Society for Endocrinology and Diabetes concluded its annual conference, which was held on October 24 and 25 in Dubai, headed by the President of the Society, Bahraini physician Dr. Weam Hussein. The conference witnessed the signing of international agreements to promote endocrine and diabetes research in the GCC countries.
More than 1,000 doctors and specialists in the treatment of endocrine diseases and diabetes from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the Middle East region and the world participated in the conference.
The conference is considered one of the most prominent scientific forums specialized in this field, as it constituted a scientific platform for exchanging experiences and enhancing cooperation between specialists in endocrinology, diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis.
The importance of the conference comes in light of the increasing rates of diabetes and obesity in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, as health reports indicate that the region is among the highest regions in the world in diabetes rates, with rates ranging between 15 and 20% of the adult population in some Gulf countries, according to data from the International Diabetes Federation for the year 2024.
Studies also show that about 35 to 40% of the population suffers from obesity, which is one of the main factors leading to endocrine disorders and diabetes complications.
Experts expect that the number of people with diabetes in the region will exceed 15 million people by 2040, unless prevention, awareness and early diagnosis programs are strengthened, which highlights the importance of specialized scientific conferences in supporting medical research efforts and developing health policies.
The conference witnessed the announcement of the signing of international cooperation memorandums between the Gulf Society for Endocrinology and Diabetes, the American Endocrine Society, and the European Endocrine Society.
“European Society of Endocrinology”, in a step that is the first of its kind in the region.
These agreements aim to link the Gulf Society with the most prominent international scientific institutions to advance medical research, exchange knowledge, organize joint conferences, and participate in scientific research, thus contributing to the development of health care and scientific research in the Gulf countries.
Dr. Weam Hussein, Senior Consultant Endocrinologist at Royal Bahrain Hospital and President of the Gulf Society, confirmed that the conference represents an important milestone in the Society’s journey towards developing continuing medical education and supporting specialized research.
He explained that the association seeks to enhance the exchange of knowledge and scientific innovation in the specializations of endocrinology and diabetes, given the increasing health challenges these diseases represent in Gulf societies.
Hussein said: “We are committed to expanding the horizons of scientific cooperation between doctors in the region and the world, and providing a scientific platform that contributes to improving the quality of health care and supporting research that is concerned with enhancing the health of the individual and society.”
This year’s conference was distinguished by the participation of more than 50 international speakers from the most prominent international universities and research centers, who presented lectures and workshops that addressed the latest scientific developments in the fields of drug treatments, early diagnosis techniques, management of obesity and its complications, osteoporosis, thyroid diseases and hormones.
The conference also discussed research developments related to the impact of modern lifestyles, nutrition and obesity on endocrine and metabolic health.
The conference also received more than 120 Gulf scientific research in the fields of endocrinology, diabetes and obesity, with participants competing annually for the best scientific research awards granted by the Gulf Society to encourage Gulf doctors and researchers to advance local research and enhance the culture of scientific research in the region.
The conference also witnessed the announcement of the annual Ibn Sina Award for the best Gulf doctors in community service, in recognition of the humanitarian and scientific efforts of doctors who contribute to spreading health awareness and serving the Gulf community.
Hussein pointed out that the Gulf Society is constantly working to develop educational and research programs by organizing lectures and workshops throughout the year, in addition to the annual conference, which contributes to raising the level of medical knowledge and improving the quality of health care in Gulf communities.
He revealed the launch of the first specialized scientific medical journal in the region concerned with publishing research related to endocrinology and diabetes, to be a Gulf scientific platform that supports researchers and doctors to publish their studies and enhance the status of Gulf research on the international scene.
He stressed that the association will continue to organize specialized scientific conferences and seminars, and expand international partnerships with leading medical societies, thus opening new horizons for medical research and development in the GCC countries.
The conference activities concluded with a ceremony honoring the researchers who won the Scientific Excellence Awards and the Ibn Sina Award for Community Service, amid great praise from the participants for the distinguished scientific and organizational level, and the pioneering role played by the Gulf Society for Endocrinology and Diabetes in promoting research medicine and continuing education in the region.
It is noteworthy that the Gulf Society for Endocrinology and Diabetes is one of the most prominent medical societies in the Gulf, as it implements many research and awareness initiatives aimed at combating diabetes and endocrine diseases, developing methods of early diagnosis and treatment, and improving the quality of life of patients.
Dr. Weam Hussein is considered one of the most distinguished Gulf competencies in this field, as he holds the American Board of Endocrinology and Diabetes, and received two fellowships from the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, USA, in addition to winning first place in specialized medical research at the level of the United States during his training period, in recognition of his scientific excellence and his research contributions in the field of endocrinology and diabetes.
