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Saudi Gazette
5 days ago
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
How groundbreaking innovations and early detection are redefining diabetes care in KSA
The body's immune system provides protection against harmful viruses, bacteria, and other foreign bodies. However, in some individuals, this protective mechanism can turn on the body itself. Such is the case with type 1 diabetes, a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly targets the very cells responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. According to Dr Mohammed Al-Sofiani, Associate Professor of Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Metabolism at King Saud University, many patients with type 1 diabetes usually present to the emergency room with symptoms like severe fatigue, weight loss, excessive urination, and excessive thirst. He explains that in people with type 1 diabetes, the immune system produces antibodies that attack the beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin - the hormone that controls blood glucose. However, even after the antibodies form, there is a long asymptomatic phase, and the clinical onset of type 1 diabetes happens only after significant beta cell destruction has already occurred. This period presents a critical window of opportunity for early intervention and diagnosis. Dr Al-Sofiani further notes that the challenge lies in identifying the disease before it reaches its final stage when insulin therapy becomes a medical necessity. One particularly dangerous complication of this disease is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a condition in which the blood becomes acidic due to an accumulation of ketones. Often the first sign of type 1 diabetes in children, DKA can be life-threatening. In Saudi Arabia, the mortality rate for diabetic ketoacidosis is estimated at 2 to 3.5 per cent, underscoring the urgent need for early diagnosis and preventive care. Professor Dr Bassam Saleh Bin Abbas, Consultant, Head Section of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Pediatric Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center emphasises the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. While type 1 diabetes is caused by autoimmune attacks which lead to partial or complete deficiency of insulin, type 2 diabetes stems from a resistance to insulin's effects. Therefore, type 2 diabetes can be treated with drugs that increase the function of these receptors, while type 1 diabetes requires insulin therapy instead. He also remarks that preventive drugs approved by the American and Saudi FDA are now available in Saudi Arabia. These are particularly helpful for the relatives of those with type 1 diabetes as they typically have a genetic predisposition for this disease. It is also beneficial for those who have already developed the antibodies, even without any symptoms. Notably, preventive drugs can help delay the onset of the disease in such individuals by a median of 2 to 2.7 years. In Saudi Arabia, Sanofi is redefining diabetes treatment practices through its trailblazing innovations, further catalysing the shift from reactive to proactive, patient-centric healthcare. Furthermore, through these advancements, the company aims to provide families with what they desire the most, which is to delay disease onset and the need for lifelong insulin therapy. While type 1 diabetes can often feel too sudden and overwhelming, its detrimental impact can be minimised through early detection and preventing disease progression. In addition to being a key scientific milestone, such medical breakthroughs lay the foundation for a robust national healthcare system, built on the tenets of prevention, early action and better outcomes.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Army gave a historic response to enemy: CM
Indore: CM , while addressing the in Indore on Friday, said that terrorists killed people in the by asking their religion, which was a conspiracy to incite . However, Indians remained united and thwarted this bid by Pakistan. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "In the Pahalgam attack, terrorists sowed the seeds of conspiracy by asking the religion of the people before killing them. Behind this, there was a conspiracy by terrorists and Pakistan to incite a fight between Hindus and Muslims in our country. I am happy that the entire nation thwarted this bid by staying united," the CM said. "Such is the strategy and working style of India's Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) that even the President of the United States (Donald Trump) had to correct his statements (to mediate a ceasefire between India and Pakistan)," the CM said. He added that from 1857 to 1947, anyone who dared to cast an evil eye on Bharat Mata (Mother India) was met with united resistance from the people of the country. The CM said that in this new era, the gave a historic response to the enemy in a short span of time. The entire world witnessed our strength, unity, and the use of modern weapons through Operation Sindoor, which helped India gain a position alongside the USA and Israel to give such a befitting reply to its enemies with their courage, bravery, valour, and heroism. The Tiranga Yatra witnessed a large number of people participating and carrying the Indian flag. The rally, which commenced from Bada Ganpati Square, was welcomed by over 200 different community and organisational platforms along its route. The 1.5 km distance to Rajwada Chowk took more than one and a half hours to cover. The CM announced that the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar is being celebrated across the state. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Coincidentally, her birth anniversary according to the Hindu calendar and her wedding anniversary both fall on May 20, which is also the death anniversary of her father-in-law, Malharrao Holkar. In view of this, a cabinet meeting will be held in Rajwada, Indore, on May 20. CM dedicates Chacha Nehru Hosp to people: CM dedicated the transformed Chacha Nehru Children's Hospital and Research Center, the largest govt pediatric hospital in state, to people of Madhya Pradesh in Indore. The hospital's revitalisation was achieved through significant public participation and contributions. The work for the first phase was completed in May 2025.
Korea Herald
23-04-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Nongshim breaks ground for smart farm in Saudi Arabia
South Korean food and beverage company Nongshim held a groundbreaking ceremony Monday for a pilot greenhouse at the National Agricultural Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a key step in Korea's push to export agricultural technology to the Middle East. The ceremony was attended by Vice Minister Park Beom-su of Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Al Mushaiti, Saudi Arabia's Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture. As part of Seoul's Smart Farm Export Promotion Program, Nongshim was selected as the lead company in a consortium of four Korean firms and will be responsible for managing the construction and operation of a smart greenhouse tailored to local conditions. Scheduled for completion by December 2025, the facility will cover 2,000 square meters and integrate two models: a vertical farm and a glass greenhouse. It will grow leafy vegetables such as frilled lettuce and kale, as well as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers, optimized for the tastes of local consumers. The initial harvest will be sold through the distribution channels of a local Saudi partner, with future expansion into major retailers such as Carrefour and LuLu Hypermarket, and online platforms like Amazon and Noon. 'Nongshim is proud to represent Korea in promoting the excellence of smart farming,' a company official said. 'This project will serve as a foundation for expanding our global smart agriculture business.'
Web Release
04-04-2025
- Health
- Web Release
Living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
By Editor_wr On Apr 4, 2025 The global incidence rate of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has been increasing from 1990 to 2021 as per the figures provided by the Global Burden of Disease Organization with a rising trend in Asian countries that requires immediate attention. Thanks to the awareness created globally there is now early detection methods, improved management, and new treatments to alleviate the condition. At a conference (IBD Nexus) organized by Takeda, a global biopharmaceutical leader, committed to advancing patient care, and one of the stakeholders in the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) therapeutic area, many healthcare professionals and gastroenterologists from around the world conferred about the epidemiology, symptoms and new age treatments/ interventions in IBD management, in Dubai. Dr. Badr Al-Bawardy, MD, an eminent gastroenterologist specializing in the management of IBD at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and adjunct faculty at Yale University, who was a delegate at the IBD Nexus event, spoke to HEALTH regarding the etymology, treatment and management of the disease. Dr. Badr Al Bawardy, MD Gastroenterologist at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center Dr. Al-Bawardy earned his M.D. with distinction from George Washington University. After medical school, he completed an internal medicine residency, gastroenterology fellowship and a specialized inflammatory bowel disease fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, which gave him valuable experience treating the disease alongside leaders in the field. What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)? Can you elaborate on it? IBD is an umbrella term that refers to two conditions including Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) that have many similarities and few differences. Both are considered autoimmune conditions. While ulcerative colitis involves the colon only, Crohn's disease can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract. The earlier it can be detected, diagnosed, and appropriately managed, the higher the chances of putting the disease into remission. The exact cause of IBD remains unknown. It is thought to be related to genetic and environmental factors that trigger the body's immune system to self-attack parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Environmental factors that have been associated with IBD include smoking, early exposure to antibiotics and certain dietary patterns. How does IBD get diagnosed? Many of the IBD symptoms for both UC and CD are common such as: Griping abdominal pain Diarrhea Passing blood in the stool Fever Weight loss Some of these symptoms may be experienced in other conditions such as food poisoning or other infections and therefore individuals tend to have a delay in diagnosis. We advise that if an individual is frequently experiencing abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool and so on, he or she should immediately seek help with their GP who can then recommend specialist and also go in for tests such as blood work, stool test, colonoscopy with biopsy, different kinds of endoscopy (capsule, upper endoscopy as recommended by his physician), CT to be able to have the diagnosis as early as possible to start treatment. Early detection and management can not only provide relief to the patient but also improve his chances for remission and provide a better quality of life. The condition is frequently diagnosed in Caucasian population in Canada, UK, parts of Europe, US and Australia, however, now there is evidence of a rising incidence in Asian countries too. Please tell us about the IBD Nexus Summit and how this initiative by Takeda will raise more awareness about IBD? I think this conference – the IBD Nexus Summit, is a great initiative by Takeda in helping bring in so many physicians and gastroenterologists of the region under one roof to raise awareness about the rising incidence, new treatments, and insights into the management of this condition. The conference allowed multiple IBD experts from varying parts of the region to share collective experiences and learn from each other. What is the role of stress and sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition in exacerbating the condition? IBD is a multifactorial disease which is due to a genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Although the disease can be well controlled, relapses in which the disease becomes active and causes symptoms can occur. Flares of the disease has been associated with dietary patterns including high intake of processed foods, stress or anxiety, gut infections, and certain medications. Leading an overall healthy lifestyle along with adherence to medications and close follow up with the treating gastroenterologist can limit periods in which the disease becomes active and causes symptoms. A lot of people think once diagnosed with IBD they will have to live with it … is there any surgical intervention or immunomodulators /biologics treatment that can resolve the condition? IBD is a chronic condition where early detection and intervention can help the disease go into remission and minimize any flares. Although the disease is chronic, there are now multiple different treatment modalities that can place the disease into complete remission (a state in which the disease is inactive and not causing symptoms). This includes medications such as those that regulate the immune system including biologics. In addition, at times, surgical excision of the inflamed portion of the colon or the small intestines is needed. It is favorable for patients diagnosed with IBD to be in regular touch with their doctor, go in for regular monitoring and screening, such as blood work, scans including intestinal ultrasound, and as needed colonoscopy. More importantly, IBD is a complex disease and requires a team of specialists including but not limited to gastroenterologists, surgeons, dieticians, and pharmacists working closely together to provide the best care for patients with IBD. Living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Next Post Why Water Alone Can't Protect Your Family from Pesticides Comments are closed.
Zawya
06-02-2025
- Health
- Zawya
7 Saudi hospitals advance in Brand Finance's 2025 rankings
RIYADH — Saudi hospitals have been included in Brand Finance's list of the world's top 250 hospitals for 2025. The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center is at the forefront of Saudi and regional hospitals, ranking 15th globally and making it the best medical facility in the Middle East and North Africa. This recognition is in confirmation of Saudi Arabia's continued global achievements in the health sector, driven by Saudi's Vision 2030. The list, which includes King Faisal Specialist Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud Medical City, King Abdullah Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, King Fahad University Hospital, reflects the rapid development in health infrastructure, advanced medical technologies, and scientific research. This achievement confirms Saudi Arabia's position as a leading destination in healthcare, and enhances its path toward achieving the goals of Saudi's Vision 2030 in building a sustainable and globally competitive healthcare system. The Brand Finance ranking is based on a survey of the opinions of thousands of experts from more than 30 countries, where the American Johns Hopkins Hospital came in first, while the Britain's Oxford University Hospitals was placed second, becoming the first non-American institution to reach this advanced ranking. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
