Latest news with #DasmanDiabetesInstitute
Arab Times
15-05-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
By 2050, 30% Of Kuwait's Population Expected To Suffer From Diabetes
KUWAIT CITY, May 15: The Swiss Embassy in Kuwait, in cooperation with the Kuwaiti-Swiss Business Platform, organized a scientific conference entitled 'Diabetes Research: An International Partnership' at the residence of Swiss Ambassador Tiziano Balmelli. A group of experts and researchers from Switzerland and Kuwait attended the conference to discuss developments in diabetes research and strengthen scientific cooperation to curb its spread. During the conference, Dr. Abdullah Al-Kandari revealed that the percentage of people with diabetes in Kuwait has reached 20 percent and is expected to reach 30 percent by 2050 -- up from only seven percent in the 1990s. He warned about the accelerating spread of the disease, especially among those over the age of 60, as about two-thirds of this age group is affected. He attributed the increase to unhealthy lifestyle, including inactivity, poor diet and smoking. He stressed the need to adopt effective prevention methods like regular exercise and a healthy diet. He also recommended that everyone aged 40 or 45 should undergo an annual test for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) or fasting blood sugar. Regarding treatment methods, Al-Kandari stated that traditional medicine has been proven effective, but he was quick to underscore the need to follow doctors' recommendations and prescribed medications, rather than relying on alternative medicine as the primary option. Medical Director of Dasman Diabetes Institute Dr. Ebaa Ozeri gave a presentation on the institute's ongoing research projects, affirming the fruitful collaboration with the Kuwaiti Danish Dairy Company (KDD). Executive Manager of Research and Innovation at KDD Wolfram Alderson shed light on the efforts of the company to develop nutritional products that support diabetes control in collaboration with the institute. Professor Pedro Marques-Vidal announced a collaborative project between the University of Lausanne in Switzerland and the institute to study genetic factors and their impact on the effectiveness of treatments. He is hoping that this collaboration will expand to include other medical fields. Balmelli expressed his satisfaction with the level of existing cooperation. 'We are not just promoting improved management of diabetes, but also the effective bilateral cooperation between research institutions in both countries, such as Dasman Diabetes Institute, KISR, and the University of Lausanne,' he added. He then emphasized the importance of building lasting institutional partnerships that contribute to providing innovative scientific solutions to common health challenges.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Losing Just One Night's Sleep Changes Your Immune System, Study Finds
We all know sleep is important, but it takes up so much time. With responsibilities and diversions still looming from our waking life, the urge to skimp on sleep can be powerful. Yet as a new study suggests, even a single night of sleep deprivation may cause significant upheaval in the immune system, potentially contributing to the development of conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The perils of chronic sleep deprivation are widely known, from mood changes and cognitive impairments to health problems like heart attacks or strokes. There is abundant evidence linking poor sleep with these and other ailments, and abundant evidence suggesting health problems like these are commonly driven by chronic inflammation, the authors of the new study point out. There is less evidence, however, about the specific mechanisms involved: How exactly could sleep deprivation lead to the systemic inflammation that goes on to impair people's health? For the new study, researchers from the Dasman Diabetes Institute in Kuwait sought to understand the influence of sleep deprivation on circulating immune cells, such as monocytes, and its association with systemic inflammation. Monocytes are large leukocytes, or white blood cells, that play key roles in the innate immune system, which provides the body's first line of defense against intruders. There are three subsets of monocytes in humans: classical, non-classical, and intermediate. Non-classical monocytes patrol for pathogens in vasculature and extravascular tissues, the study's authors explain, using inflammatory cues to help them regulate the body's immune response. The researchers recruited 276 healthy Kuwaiti adults with varying body mass indices (BMIs), 237 of whom ended up completing the study. They analyzed the subjects' sleep patterns, and monitored their blood for levels of different monocyte subsets as well as inflammation markers. Obese participants had significantly lower sleep quality than leaner participants, the study found, along with higher chronic low-grade inflammation. They also had more non-classical monocytes, which correlated with lower sleep quality and increased pro-inflammatory markers. In another part of the study, five healthy, lean adults submitted blood samples throughout a 24-hour period of sleep deprivation. These were compared to control blood samples taken after the participants had had a few days of refreshing sleep. Even just 24 hours of sleep deprivation apparently altered the monocyte profiles in lean participants to resemble those of obese participants, a condition the researchers note is known to promote chronic inflammation. The answer may seem obvious – just get more sleep – but it's rarely that simple in real life. Modern civilization conspires to keep us up late, argues lead author Fatema Al-Rashed, a researcher at the Dasman Diabetes Institute. "Our findings underscore a growing public health challenge. Advancements in technology, prolonged screen time, and shifting societal norms are increasingly disruptive to regular sleeping hours," Al-Rashed says. "This disruption in sleep has profound implications for immune health and overall well-being." Future research should continue this examination of the links between sleep deprivation and immune changes, Al-Rashed and her colleagues write. They also hope to learn if any interventions might help mitigate this effect, such as structured sleep therapies or guidelines for limiting use of technology. "In the long term, we aim for this research to drive policies and strategies that recognize the critical role of sleep in public health," Al-Rashed says. "We envision workplace reforms and educational campaigns promoting better sleep practices, particularly for populations at risk of sleep disruption due to technological and occupational demands. "Ultimately, this could help mitigate the burden of inflammatory diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases," she says. The study was published in The Journal of Immunology. World First: Scientists Printed Penises For Pigs And Restored Their Erections Chewing Wood Could Give Your Brain an Unexpected Boost Tinnitus Seems to Be Somehow Connected to a Crucial Bodily Function
Zawya
13-02-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Ooredoo Kuwait celebrates Kuwaiti women in science on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Kuwait: In honor of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Ooredoo Kuwait has illuminated its iconic tower in the heart of the capital with images and names of a select group of pioneering Kuwaiti women scientists and researchers. This initiative, launched in collaboration with the Kuwait Foundation for Advancement of Science, is designed to showcase the remarkable achievements of Kuwaiti women in research and innovation and to highlight their pivotal role in shaping a sustainable scientific future. Empowering Women in Scientific Research and Technology Ooredoo Kuwait, a leader in technology and telecommunications, reaffirms its commitment to supporting and empowering Kuwaiti women. This initiative aligns with the company's diversity and equality policies and underscores the significant contributions of Kuwaiti women scientists and researchers. Their efforts have not only bolstered Kuwait's international scientific reputation but have also driven tangible progress across various fields including medicine, technology, energy, and engineering. Pioneers in Multiple Fields The initiative honored several distinguished researchers and scientists, including: Shaikhah Shuaib – A PhD candidate at Boston University and a pioneer in utilizing ultrasound in neuroimaging, whose research has redefined diagnostic and treatment methods for neurological disorders. Dr. Intisar Al-Hatlani – A professor of chemistry at Kuwait University and director of the Master's program in Forensic Science, recognized for advancing chemical analysis techniques in forensic medicine. Dr. Fatema Al-Rashed – A researcher at the Dasman Diabetes Institute specializing in lipid metabolism and developing treatments to prevent diabetes. Dr. Sherine Al-Subaie – A researcher at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research who has developed innovative techniques for shrimp aquaculture in desert areas using low-salinity water, thereby enhancing food security in Kuwait. Saja Fakhraldeen – An expert in environmental metagenomics and cancer research, exploring natural substances for the development of new cancer therapies. Dr. Nawal Al-Hamad – An authority in health and nutrition, instrumental in formulating a national food and nutrition strategy to improve public health. Dr. Farida Al-Habib – A consultant in cardiovascular diseases and founder of the Sabah Al-Ahmad Heart Center, noted for her contributions to treating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Engineer Sharifa Al-Shalfan – A municipal council member and advocate for urban redesign to promote sustainable city living. Dr. Asil Al-Raqam – An assistant professor at the College of Architecture, Kuwait University, who fosters critical thinking in the design of public spaces. Dr. Reem Ameen – An assistant professor at Kuwait University, credited with helping establish the National Stem Cell Registry to boost the success of stem cell transplants. Dr. Dalal Al-Saeed – The Clinical Operations Director at the Dasman Diabetes Institute, who conducted a groundbreaking study on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare providers. Dr. Fattouh Al-Raqam – The Director of the Energy Efficiency Technologies Program, a trailblazer in renewable energy research and sustainability projects utilizing green hydrogen. Dr. Ebaa Al Ozairi – Chief Medical Officer at the Dasman Diabetes Institute and the first woman from the Middle East to serve as Vice President of the World Obesity Federation, with over 100 scientific publications in her field. A Continued Commitment to Excellence This initiative reflects Ooredoo Kuwait's steadfast commitment to empowering Kuwaiti women in scientific research and technology, reinforcing the notion that innovation and progress are intrinsically linked to their contributions. By honoring these trailblazing scientists, Ooredoo Kuwait not only upholds the values of equality and excellence but also fulfills its social responsibility to promote sustainable development and celebrate the achievements of Kuwaiti women in science, engineering, and technology.
