Latest news with #TizianoBalmelli
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.
Arab Times
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Ramadan traditions, visits bolster ties
KUWAIT CITY, March 18: Swiss Ambassador to Kuwait Tiziano Balmelli commended the Ramadan traditions in the country, particularly the diwaniya gatherings that strengthen family and social ties. Balmelli made the statement during the Swiss-Kuwaiti diwaniya he hosted at his residence, with Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Sadiq Ma'arafi and numerous citizens in attendance. He expressed his admiration for the diwaniya tradition. 'This is my third Ramadan in Kuwait, and I have been deeply impressed by the diwaniya tradition, which I find to be very special. Since my arrival, I have loved this beautiful custom, so we decided last year to organize a Swiss diwaniya at the residence. This is due to the success of last year's event and the growing number of Swiss friends in Kuwait.' He highlighted the warm atmosphere and expressed pride in being part of the Kuwaiti community; indicating that the spirit of Ramadan promotes brotherhood and sharing, which are rare in many countries experiencing family disintegration and individualism. 'In contrast, Kuwaiti diwaniyas help maintain social strength and family cohesion,' he added. Regarding bilateral relations, Balmelli affirmed that Switzerland and Kuwait are preparing for high-level visits to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations next year. 'We are also working hard to strengthen cooperation in various fields, particularly humanitarian aid and development,' he revealed. He also expressed hope for the exchange of visits by Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to further develop relations between the two countries
