With a growing senior population and an increase in unhealthy lifestyles, the prevalence of osteoporosis and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is soaring in the Middle East and North African region. In response to the dramatic increase in these diseases within the region the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), in cooperation with the Emirates Osteoporosis Society (EOS), will be holding the 3rd Middle East & Africa Osteoporosis Meeting from December 5-7, 2015 in Abu Dhabi.
Osteoporosis already has a serious impact on the region, and as a result it is facing the highest proportional increase in hip fracture rates in the world: rates are projected to quadruple by 2050 in some countries. Older people who suffer hip fractures are often affected by long-term disability that results in loss of independence and higher risk of death. Mortality rates after hip fracture may be 2-2.5 fold higher in certain populations within the region when compared to Western populations where rates are between 25-35 per cent.
Diabetes (type 2) is another widespread chronic disease which has an enormous impact in the Middle East. Close to one in 10 adults in the region has diabetes and cases are rising rapidly. Without lifestyle changes, it is estimated that a quarter of the Middle East's population will be affected by 2035 (1).
Professor Serge Ferrari, Professor of Medicine at the Service of Bone Diseases, Geneva University Hospital, Switzerland and Scientific Programme Committee Co-Chair said, "Diabetics are now recognized as being at increased risk of fracture, posing a challenge for doctors who treat these patients. Through a dedicated workshop to be held prior to the start of the Meeting, we hope to raise awareness and increase knowledge of the diagnosis and management of bone disease in diabetic patients." The Workshop will address key issues including risk assessment, impact of new diabetes therapies, and osteoporosis management in diabetic patients. It will be co-chaired by Prof. Maha Taysir Barakat, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Health Authority.
Expected to be the region's largest event in the musculoskeletal field, the Meeting will present the latest research by investigators from the region and around the world. More than 60 sessions, including educational lectures and workshops will increase knowledge of the latest advances in the diagnosis and management of bone disease, including in diabetic patients.
Plenary topics and speakers include:
- Fracture Prediction (JA Kanis) & Fracture Healing (SA Majeed)
- Vitamin D During the Lifecourse (I Zakraoui, C Cooper, G El Hajj Fuleihan)
- Who is at Risk and Who to treat? (M Al-Maini, T De Villiers, M Alshaker)
- Treat to Target (S Ferrari, J-Y Reginster)
- Challenges with Osteoporosis Therapy (A Khan, H Badsha)
- New Treatments, incl. sarcopenia (JY Reginster, R Rizzoli)
In addition there will be 10 Meet-the-Expert sessions, two workshops and a special session during which challenging cases can be discussed with the experts.
A special feature of the Meeting includes awards and a unique half-day mentoring programme for selected young investigators from the Middle East who have submitted outstanding abstracts. The aim is to support the development of high quality research in bone and related musculoskeletal disease in the region.
Dr Abdulrahim Al Suhaili, President of EOS and Meeting Co-Chair stressed the importance of the upcoming event as a key research and educational forum for doctors in the region. He stated, "As a disease of increasing relevance, osteoporosis is not adequately addressed during medical training in most countries. For this reason, I encourage all health professionals who deal with osteoporotic patients to learn the latest management techniques by joining us in Abu Dhabi."
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