ABOUT Qatar Diabetes Support
Supporting Diabetics in Qatar
We are a support group of Diabetics and their families in Qatar. Our aim to to support each other with personal experiences and friendship. We are also Diabetic Activists with the aim of improving the lives of Diabetics in Qatar through liaising with Government Organisations, Companies and Pharmaceutical Manufacturers.
We have close links with the Qatar Diabetes Association and we believe that any advice medical advice given by our members should be checked with the QDA or your Doctor to see if its right for you.
We are most active through our closed Facebook Group – Providing encouragement and support to each other
Diabetics and their Families are most welcome to join
Diabetes in Numbers
WHAT Now
What you need to know if you have been Diagnosed as Diabetic
First- You are not alone! Millions of people live with Diabetes every day.
Second – Educate yourself! Speak to your Doctor, your family and friends and join a Support Group
Third – Take Control of your Diabetes! – Learn as much as you can about it and learn about how your body reacts to Diabetes
We have close links with the Qatar Diabetes Association and we believe that any advice medical advice given by our members should be checked with the QDA or your Doctor to see if its right for you.
We are most active through our closed Facebook Group – Providing encouragement and support to each other
Diabetics and their Families are most welcome to join
Frequently asked Questions: Diabetes
There are diabetes warning signs and symptoms that both women and men have in common, for example:
- Excessive thirst and hunger
- Frequent urination (from urinary tract infections or kidney problems)
- Weight loss or gain
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Nausea
- Skin infections
- Darkening of skin in areas of body creases (acanthosis nigricans)
- Breath odor that is fruity, sweet, or an acetone odor
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or fee
Diabetes is a serious condition where either your pancreas is unable to make insulin or your body cannot make use of the insulin produced by your body. This leads to high blood sugar leads (Hyperglycaemia) which damages the body and the failure of various organs and tissues .
Type 1 – Scientists think Type 1 is caused by both a Genetic Factor (someone in your family may have it) and by environmental factors- for example a virus that triggers it, or if your pancreas is damaged and cannot produce Insulin.
Type 2 – There are a number Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes. These increase the chances of you developing the condition
- Family History
- The older you get the more risk you have
- High Blood Pressure
- Ethnicity – some Ethnic groups are more likely to develop it
- South Asians 6x more likely
- African and Afro Caribbean are 3x times more likely
- Being Overweight
- Unhealthy Diet
- Not enough exercise
- History of Gestational Diabetes
- Poor nutrition during pregnancy
- Impaired Glucose Tolerance (Blood sugar raises higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes – sometimes called pre-diabetes)
90% of all cases of Diabetes are Type 2 but the only way to actually tell is to get your Doctor to run tests. There are 5 tests that can be run and you should check with your Doctor which ones he can do for you.
- Type 1 – Your body doesn’t make enough insulin or no insulin at all – this is made by the Pancreas.
- Type 2 – Your body doesn’t use the insulin correctly
- Gestational Diabetes – This affects woman whilst pregnant and usually (not always) disappears after giving birth – but leads to a higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life both for the mother and child
There are a variety of other variations but they are much rarer
Thank you to Lulu Hypermarkets and the Marriott Marquis on World Diabetes Day 2020
With the current Covid pandemic, World Diabetes Day 202o was a very different event from most years. However thanks to both Lulu Hypermarkets and the Marriott Marquis, who we partnered with,it was a very
Simple treatment that could free diabetics from insulin
Fantastic news for Type 2 Diabetics who use insulin. New treatment being trialled can stop the need for insulin. Simple treatment that could free diabetics from insulin: Hospital procedure that takes less than an hour
Diabetes LADA
Have you heard of LADA? Sometimes called Type 1.5 Diabetes... Some people are actually misdiagnosed as type 2. LADA stands for Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood. LADA is a form of type 1 diabetes that
Common Medications That Can Raise Your Blood Sugar
Some meds can affect your Blood Sugar levels - do you know which ones? Find out here. Always check with your Dr before starting or stopping any medications!!
Video Sneak Preview by Dr. Doaa Farid
Dear Members, here is a sneak preview of the video being done by Dr. Doaa Farid in association with the Marriot - organised by Rupert Wilson and Diabetes Qatar Support. It's about healthy eating
Diabetes Medication – Guides and Information
Diabetes medications are a common form of treatment for people with diabetes. There are many different types of diabetes medicines, or anti-diabetic drugs, and this includes insulin, which has its own area within the site.
Most Type 2 diabetes cases reversed new study suggests
Major study shows that losing weight can help put Type 2 Diabetes into remission. Read the article on Daily Mail
Apple cider vinegar shown to significantly reduce post-meal blood glucose
Very interesting study that shows apple cider vinegar not only helps with weight loss but also helps control post meal blood sugar levels! Read more here.
5 of the best foods to lower blood sugar and manage diabetes
Some useful reminders for us. If you have diabetes, it's important to eat the right foods to maintain healthy blood-sugar levels. For example, eating healthy carbohydrates, foods high in fiber, and healthy fats can help
Links between Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease
Links between Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. But studies show that controlling your Diabetes can slow/stop you developing it, and once again Metformin plays a huge role. Read more here.
1,000-year-old medieval remedy could be used to treat diabetic foot ulcers
Thousand-year-old medieval remedy known as 'Bald's eyesalve' containing onion, garlic, wine, and bile salts could be used to treat diabetic foot ulcers that are resistant to antibiotics. Visit Daily Mail to read more.
More studies show that eating cinnamon can help lower your blood sugar
Eating plenty of CINNAMON could help people with high blood sugar levels stave off diabetes, study shows. Study participants received cinnamon supplements or placebo three times a day Those who took the supplements showed lowered
The Dawn Phenomenon
Many people with diabetes observe that their numbers first thing in the morning are often higher than their target. This condition is called “dawn phenomenon” and it can occur in people with type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes Slang!
A little bit of light humour... My favourite is Type Zero!
Free Consulation with Dr Doaa Farid
A reminder to all our members about the free consultations available from Dr Farid and her fellow Dr. who are giving up there time to help people... https://www.facebook.com/groups/diabetesqatar/permalink/565893020982278/
Type 2 diabetes can be reversed through lifestyle changes
A new study by researchers in Qatar has shown that Type 2 diabetes can be reversed with dietary and lifestyle changes. The findings will change how patients with Type 2 diabetes are cared for in
Diabetics are more likely to suffer fractures and broken bones
People with diabetes are up to four times more likely to break a bone — and the risk increases over time for Type 2 patients, review finds Researchers conducted a review of patients who had
What non-diabetics don’t know
TYPE 1 DIABETES ISN’T CAUSED BY EATING SUGAR… BUT TYPE 2 DIABETES ISN’T NECESSARILY CAUSED BY DIET EITHER. THERE COULD BE AS MANY AS FOUR TYPES OF DIABETES. DIABETES CAN BE VERY, VERY SERIOUS. Read
Association of Blood Glucose Control and Outcomes in Patients with COVID-19 and Pre-Existing Type 2 Diabetes
A very interesting scientific study about the Corona Virus and Type 2 Diabetes.. interesting point on this if your Diabetes is well controlled then your risk of death is similar to a non Diabetic (and
Justin Murray on 30 Influential People to Impact their Community in Qatar 2019
Congratulations to the founder of Qatar Diabetes Support group, Justin Murray, for his achievement on making the top 30 Influential People 2019 in Qatar. Thank you for helping to make a change to the diabetic
Green Cola on SPECIAL OFFER at Spar Tawar Mall!
Get yours today!
Heated balloon as treatment for Type 2 Diabetes
Patients with type 2 diabetes could now be treated with a heated balloon that regenerates cells key to controlling blood sugar. Rahul Kumar (pictured above), 48, an IT consultant from Bromley, South-East London, was one
Coffee helps to cut risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes
Drinking up to four cups of coffee a day can cut the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, new research claims. Coffee can cut the chances of developing type 2 diabetes,
Today is James Collip’s 127th birthday
After the discovery of insulin in 1921, James Collip subsequently purified the extract, which is now known to save millions of lives. Thank you, James!
How To Keep Rocking The Diabetic Life?
During National Diabetes Month, we come together to raise awareness of Diabetes, celebrate the progress we have made in combating it, and recommit ourselves to defeating it. Founder of Qatar Diabetes Support group, Justin Murray,
Thank you, London Underground!
A great message in support of Diabetes Awareness Day... Thank you London Underground!
Fighting Diabetes Together – Join the Walk!
At this upcoming World Diabetes Day, come and join us at the Oxygen Park in Education City on Friday, 15th of November 2019. Let us fight diabetes together! Starting from 1pm to 5 pm, various
Top 10 Tips for People Newly Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes
Sorry to hear that you have joined us. Diabetes is a lot to live with, but really, it is manageable. Here are the top 10 tips for people newly diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes: Know
‘More than a third of people with diabetes in Qatar don’t even know they are diabetic’ – Dr. Rasha Sa’sa
Diabetes and glands are common chronic diseases, especially among children and the elderly. In Qatar, nearly 17% of the population is suffering from diabetes and more than a third of them don’t even know they
Diabetes in Qatar – Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute
Different presenters disclosed different topics related to Diabetes during the Middle East Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare 2017 in Qatar. Please click here for the detailed PDF presentation brought to your by the
Let’s raise awareness for Diabetes Awareness Month
Stay tuned for lots more news and updates in November for #diabetesawarnessmonth
Diabetes Awareness Month
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Together, we will find a cure.
Diabetic-friendly Rice & Noodles in Doha
Are you in the mood for some Diabetic friendly rice or noodles? I found these in Megamart The Center, Doha. Just be warned that when you open them they smell terrible. You'll need to rince
Obesity & Diabetes levels in Qatar
Qatar has some of the highest levels of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes mellitus in the region” Dr Abdulla al-Hamaq, executive director of Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) said. “With the high prevalence of
A Day in the Life with Type 2 Diabetes – Kate Cornell
A diabetes patient, Kate Cornell, shared her day with Type 2 Diabetes. My day with type 2 diabetes looks like many other people’s day, at least on the surface. Unlike someone who uses insulin, I
Relatable?
Relatable? I very much know how this feels!
Learn how to test and why testing is the most powerful tool you have to check on your Diabetes
Back to basics: How to eat to your meter, using your meter to figure out what foods are good for you! https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=02n_wSi0pzI&fbclid=IwAR0wd7lZpOcwn5ZvJJw9nn6Gk5UxyqcdRCnOBygm3U7RIBO3VJtFIdVGMx0&app=desktop Source: Diabetes-- What To Know - Youtube
Back to Basics: How to check your blood sugar
There are two primary ways to figure out your blood sugar: a blood glucose meter and a continuous glucose meter. Checking your blood glucose requires three things: a blood glucose meter, a test strip, and
Watch the truth about Carbs
This is terrifying about how much sugar (via carbs) is in various foods. Watch the truth about carbs! https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2219012711651442 Source: BBC
16 healthy foods Diabetics should eat regularly
Here are the 16 foods that diabetics should consume often. Berries. Just because diabetes occurs because of blood sugar, that doesn’t mean that sweet fruits will only worsen their condition. Berries like raspberry and blueberry
First meetup of Qatar Diabetes Support at Starbucks, Tawar Mall
Dear Members, thank you to those who were able to attend today! I hope it was useful to you!! Please feel free to tag yourself in to the pics - as per normal I forgot
Starbucks event & blood monitor giveaway
Dear All, remember the event on Friday- 2 PM - Starbucks Tarwa Mall. In addition - if you need a Blood Monitor please PM me and if possible please attend the event! I need to
14 symptoms that indicate you have very high blood sugar levels
High blood sugar levels for a prolonged period may lead to diabetes and other serious health problems which can have life-threatening consequences. This is why it’s important to learn how to recognize the early symptoms
Your Help is Needed – Type 1 Diabetics in Qatar
THE QATAR DIABETES ASSOCIATION الجمعية القطرية للسكري NEEDS OUR HELP! "We are looking for Adults living with type 1 diabetes who are willing to take part in a study. The research is studying different means
Sugar-free syrups for your drink in Starbucks
Did you know that Starbucks in Qatar have sugar free syrups for your coffee...!!!! Pics taken in Ezdan mall, Doha.
I hear people talking about measuring Blood Sugar- what does that mean?
How well you control your Blood Sugar is how well you are controlling your Diabetes! There are two main ways that you can check your Blood Sugar: Prick Test using a Blood Glucose monitor You
How does Sugar and Carbohydrates affect my body with Diabetes?
Carbohydrates affect your Blood Sugar much faster than proteins or fats and so play a large role in in pushing your Blood Sugar too high - this is why its important to control your Carb
Help I have been Diagnosed with Diabetes- What do I do now?
First don’t panic- millions of people live with Diabetes every day – including some very famous people: Diabetic Celebrities: Larry King Halle Berry Randy Jackson Tom Hanks Salma Hayek Nick Jonas Drew Carey Teresa May
Ramadan Kareem – Should you Fast if you are Diabetic?
This information was kindly provided by Dr. Ahmed Adel Hassan on the Diabetes Qatar Facebook Group Dear friends, As i promised before, my recommendations regarding fasting the holy month of Ramadan for diabetic patients. We
Speaker at Diabetes at the Family Diabetes symposium
I had the opportunity this morning to speak about my experience with Diabetes at the Family Diabetes symposium. I learnt a lot and got to meet some amazing Doctors and Dietitians!
Diabetic-friendly snacks in Spar, Tawar Mall
It's payday and Spar have a great selection of Diabetic Friendly snacks and drinks. Love the new Green Cola Flavours- Lemonade and Fanta! No sugar too!
How much you should be eating
A little picture to show how much you should be eating and in what ratio. Do u keep to this? Please talk to your dietitian and/or diabetes educator about what's right for you. Source: Diabetes
How to eat to your Meter
The aims of eating to your meter is in identifying the foods or meals that lead to a larger rise in your blood sugar levels after eating and the foods and meals that lead to
Sugar free chocolate pudding to satisfy your cravings
I was having a sweet tooth tonight. Sugar free chocolate pudding for QAR 5 and 2 cups of milk. Mmakes 4 servings. PS: I didnt't eat all four. One a day!
Type 2 Diabetes – An insight from Dr. Phil and a firefighter who has it
Dr. Phil uses the power of television to tell compelling stories about real people. He partnered with AstraZeneca for the On It Movement to help educate people living with type 2 diabetes. Find out his
Qatar Diabetes Association Services
Good Afternoon Members, So i had the long awaited meeting with the Qatar Diabetes Association and it was very interesting!. They are doing excellent work and i believe all our members can benefit. Firstly all
10 Celebrities with Diabetes
There are currently 30.3 million Americans living with diabetes, so it should come as no surprise that celebrities are among their ranks. From actors to musicians to sports stars to beauty queens, learn about 10
Life as a Diabetic comedian
A little bit of light humour to get you ready for Sunday! "Diabetic comedy is not a thing!" Ed Gamble on being called a 'diabetic comedian'. Watch below! https://www.facebook.com/bbctwo/videos/529427624190211/UzpfSTYwMjI4Njc0MjpWSzoyNDY4NTExODI4ODY0NjU/ Source: BBC Two
Difference between Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia
Glycemia is the presence of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Hyperglycemia indicates excess glucose in the blood. Hypoglycemia refers to abnormally low presence of glucose in the blood. Controlling blood glucose levels is the cornerstone