Diabetes Mellitus
An integrated approach is followed towards treatment of Diabetes and its various complications, especially involving kidney, eyes, heart, sexual and nervous system. Following a thorough evaluation, detailed advice is given on diet and exercise along with appropriate medication. Stress is especially laid on the preventive aspects. Specialist care is also available for childhood diabetes and secondary diabetes.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring System
This is the latest addition in testing to measure blood sugar in patients with widely fluctuating blood sugar levels. Certain patients may not test positive for low blood sugar in spite of symptoms. In such cases, an ambulatory blood sugar monitor helps to record the blood sugar levels continuously.

A small device is fitted to the patient for 2 days; who is advised to continue with the daily activities. After the testing period, the data is fed into the computer which then traces the movement of blood sugar every ten minutes.

This diagnostic tool is the first of it kind in the private health care sector in Abu Dhabi.

In continuation of the efforts of the hospital to offer current technology in the management of diabetes, an insulin pump for patients will be shortly available.

This pump monitors the blood sugar level of the patient and delivers the appropriate dosage of insulin, e.g., during meal times, it delivers a bolus (extra dose). Again, this technology is being offered for the first time in the private health care sector in Abu Dhabi.

Further, a Comprehensive Diabetes Management Program is also offered at the hospital.

The NMC Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi is the first hospital in the emirate to offer such a unique programme covering all aspects of diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and its complications. This day long programme targets known diabetics and its effects on every part of the body.

The procedures include testing at the various departments at the hospital.

Bio-Chemistry Laboratory
The patient is advised to fast prior to these tests for:
· Blood Sugar
· Average sugar for the previous three months (HbA1C)
· Special Kidney Test - Spot urine for Micro Albuminaria

Ophthalmology
Diabetic eye disease is a leading cause of blindness. Finding and treating diabetes early is necessary to control vision loss and blindness.

The ophthalmologist checks for any changes in the retina of the eye.

Physiotherapy
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of lower limb amputation. In a vast majority of diabetics, foot problems are precipitated by infection, injury or both. Sheer neglect of these symptoms usually leads to further complications.

The physiotherapist uses a state of the art test to assess diabetic damage to the feet of the patient.

Radiology
High glucose levels cause the large blood vessels to harden leading to atherosclerosis. It can also thicken capillary walls and cause blood vessels to leak. These conditions can lead to a heart attack, stroke and poor blood circulation.

The radiologist uses the Doppler test to check the condition of the blood vessels.

Cardiology
Much of the mortality and morbidity of diabetes is associated with cardiovascular disease.
The Cardiology Department uses the ECG to monitor any irregularities in the heart.

Dietetics
Nutrition Therapy is fundamental in the management of diabetes and it involves making permanent lifestyle changes in dietary habits.

The dietician makes a nutritional assessment of typical eating patterns, like and dislikes, caloric needs based on current weight, goals for achieving desirable body weight, what the individual is willing and likely to do, cultural and ethnical considerations.

In combination with the test results, the dietician formulates meal plans suitable for the patient.

All tests are carried out in the morning and the results are made available to the Endocrinology Department by evening. The test results are evaluated by the specialist and the patient is prescribed a suitable treatment.

Infertility and Sexual Disorders
A systematic approach is taken towards male and female infertility and sexual problems like impotence with special focus on correction of hormonal aberrations.

Thyroid Disorders
Conditions involving the thyroid gland like hormonal deficiencies and excess; and thyroid tumors are investigated and attended to.

Obesity Clinic
Adult and childhood obesity is thoroughly investigated and appropriately treated.

Gynaecological Endocrinology
Menstrual problems in women like primary and secondary amenorrhea and cosmetic problems like hirsutism (excess hair growth) are treated. Advice is also given on suitability of Hormone Replacement Therapy for menopausal women. Hormonal therapy for infertility including IVF techniques is managed with the Department of Assisted Reproduction.

Paediatric Endocrinology
Childhood problems like short stature, thyroid disease and intersex disorders is fully evaluated and managed.

Other endocrine afflictions involving pituitary gland, adrenal glands, parathyroid gland and metabolic bone disease are also attended to.

Osteoporosis
With the acquisition of Dexa - Bone Densitometer, this department is better equipped to investigate increasing cases of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a progressive systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and fracture.

Screening or baseline test is recommended for all women regardless of risk factors and medical history, once at 45, 55 and 65 years of age.

Risk factors include:
· Oestrogen deficiency
· Premature menopause
· Prolonged secondary Amenorrhoea
· Prolonged corticosteroid therapy
· Family history of hip fracture
· X-ray evidence showing osteopenia
· Previous fragility fractures
· Loss of height, thoracic kyphosis

Osteoporosis is now a better managed and understood disease entity, because more precise diagnostic tools are now available with better medical treatments.