Raising Awareness About Type 1 Diabetes in Dubai
Introduction
The American Hospital in Dubai collaborated for the first time with a motorcycle parade on the streets of Dubai to raise awareness about Type 1 diabetes in children. This event, filled with activities, was held in partnership with H.O.G. (the official Harley-Davidson club in Dubai and Abu Dhabi) and ETICA, an organization that works with governments, semi-governments, and private sectors on various projects and initiatives related to environmental, economic, labor, gender identity, and humanitarian and social issues.
Event Details
The Emirati Type 1 Diabetes Parade 2015 took place over the weekend, accompanied by Dubai Police. Over 100 motorcycles gathered in the Motor City parking lot at 9 AM and departed at 10 AM, heading towards Sheikh Zayed Road and exiting to reach the American Hospital in Dubai.
Event Atmosphere
In a lively atmosphere, children with Type 1 diabetes felt like superheroes as they met the motorcyclists and enjoyed taking photos with them and their families. A "Tree of Hope" was planted in front of the hospital as a symbol of hope for treatment.
Understanding Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is the most common endocrine disorder among children. Dr. Hanaa Zidan, a pediatric endocrinologist at the American Hospital in Dubai, stated that approximately 30% of all new cases among children with Type 1 diabetes are of the Diabetic Ketoacidosis type. She emphasized that early diagnosis helps protect those affected from the disease and, God forbid, death. She added that Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the beta cells in the pancreas, which are the primary cells that produce insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
Global Statistics
According to the International Diabetes Federation Atlas reports in 2012, the incidence of Type 1 diabetes in children has increased by 3% annually worldwide, with approximately 65,000 children in the Middle East affected, which is higher than the global average.
Healthcare for Children
The American Hospital in Dubai has a comprehensive pediatric and endocrinology department that addresses issues related to pediatric medicine, metabolism, endocrinology, and diabetes, accepting assessments and treatments for children from infancy to young adulthood, provided they fall under endocrine and metabolic diseases.
