KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Dasman Diabetes Institute is a leading national establishment devoted to avert and control diabetes through diverse means. The institute conducts scientific research, works out innovative programs, and provides comprehensive education for improving the lives of the patients and stemming the spread of the disease in the country, said Dr Fawaz Al-Zaid, Senior Scientist and Head of Bioenergetics and Neurometabolism, in a statement to KUNA.

Dr Al-Zaid, recently designated as a member by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), which consists of 10 members from various countries, revealed that work was underway to look into how immunity issues lead to type-2 diabetes. These researches, including laboratory imaging and genetic sequencing, are intended to fathom the relationship between immunodeficiency and diabetes, he said, indicating an aspiration to adopt new treatment methods to stem infections and side-effects of the disease’s second type, such as cardiac and liver illnesses.

Other studies in the process look into the impact of stress, anxiety, and depression on the response to treatment of type 1 diabetes, Dr Al-Zaid said. Turning to his EASD membership, Dr Al-Zaid said he was honored with this title in admiration of the significant contributions he had made in the diabetes research at the global level. “This membership gives me a unique opportunity to contribute to recommendations in the realm of diabetics’ care and the research at the international level. “I look forward to contributing to the association tasks at the international level, representing Kuwait and the Gulf region in this sector.”

He revealed that the EASD had formed an international board to broaden its task in the diabetes research, deepen cooperation at the international level, and establish bonds with all stakeholders at the national and regional levels. Dr Al-Zaid said that his election is evidence of the institute’s commitments to boost research to find new treatments for diabetes. The doctor added that he would seek to enhance the communications with the relevant regional and international organizations.

The senior scientist said that he has been focusing on the interaction between immunity and metabolism in the advanced stage, where the disease affects adipose tissues, the liver, and the nervous system. Dr Al-Zaid is holder of an HDR from the Royal College of Physicians, London, and a member of several European medical associations. — KUNA