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Press Release
Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC), part of Mubadala’s network of healthcare providers, and the region’s comprehensive state-of-the-art outpatient facility for the treatment, prevention, education and research of diabetes, has announced the launch of its Antenatal Diabetes Clinic in Abu Dhabi.
The launch supports this year’s theme of World Diabetes Day – Women and Diabetes – that aims to improve pregnant women’s access to diabetes screening, care and education to achieve positive health outcomes for mother and baby. According to data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), one in seven births is affected by gestational diabetes. IDF also estimates that 20.9 million or 16.2% of live births to women in 2015 had some form of hyperglycaemia in pregnancy, with half of the cases occurring in women under the age of 30.
The new Antenatal Clinic is supported by specialists from both Imperial College London Diabetes Centre and Healthpoint, a multi-speciality hospital in Abu Dhabi, also part of Mubadala’s network of healthcare providers, and will provide counselling and treatment to women diagnosed with gestational diabetes, as well as diabetic women planning to conceive. To help women achieve optimal blood glucose levels and ensure positive health outcomes for mother and baby, a comprehensive range of specialities will be offered at the clinic, including endocrinology, gynecology, radiology, pathology and gestational diabetes education.
Abdulla Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Acting Head for Mubadala Healthcare said: “The launch of the ICLDC Antenatal Diabetes Clinic, in partnership with Healthpoint, is another initiative by Mubadala demonstrating its commitment in offering patients quality care and to support their different healthcare needs. As a company, we strive to continuously develop our offerings to ensure best patient outcomes. By combining our expertise, and facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration, we are able to develop elevate the standards of diabetes care.”
Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a form of diabetes consisting of high blood glucose levels during pregnancy. It develops in one in 25 pregnancies worldwide and is associated with complications to both mother and baby. GDM usually disappears (in the majority) after delivery but women with GDM and their children are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. GDM occurs with or without specific symptoms so it’s important for pregnant women to be aware of this health condition and seek medical attention to screen and make a diagnosis of it.
Similarly, women with diabetes who are planning to conceive should also consult a specialist as optimal glucose levels before pregnancy will reduce the risk of health problems for the mother and baby.
