Tackling Diabetes in the UAE
Diabetes is one of the defining health challenges of our time, affecting millions worldwide. Recent population-based studies in Abu Dhabi have reported substantially higher prevalence rates. As diabetes cases rise and the strain on health systems deepens, it’s clear: conventional care isn’t enough. This is where Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi steps in, to provide compassionate, evidence-based, and innovative care to patients in the UAE and beyond. We’re not just keeping pace; we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
From AI-powered diagnostics to virtual clinics that bring expert care into people’s homes, we’re reimagining the patient’s journey from the inside out, ushering in a new era of technology-driven, highly personalized healthcare solutions. Our approach combines smart technology, collaborative expertise, and a deep understanding of each patient’s needs to create a more connected and effective model of care.
To make this a reality, we’ve moved from reactive to proactive care. By integrating intelligent digital tools that connect patients and providers beyond clinic walls, we’re able to monitor, support, and intervene earlier than ever. Our mobile app and secure messaging system allow patients to share their glucose readings with our care teams, enabling weekly follow-ups and timely support, especially for those with complex or high-risk profiles.
Building on this, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has become a true game-changer. Wearable sensors now provide a dynamic picture of blood sugar trends, helping clinicians and patients make faster, smarter decisions, often in virtual consultations. For patients living in remote areas, this means fewer trips to the hospital and more responsive care from home.
But technology alone isn’t enough; what is equally important is how we deliver this care. At our dedicated clinic for patients with uncontrolled diabetes, diabetologists, educators, and nutritionists work side by side, providing patients with the necessary insights, treatments, and care that they need. In a single appointment, patients receive medical treatment, lifestyle guidance, and nutrition planning. This team-based, personalized approach helps patients take control of their health journey and stick with it.
To stay ahead of the curve, we’re also harnessing the power of data. Weekly reports from our Business Intelligence tools flag patients who may need closer attention, while monthly physician dashboards track HbA1c levels and other key metrics.
We’ve also introduced AI-powered retina screenings conducted right in the clinic. This allows us to detect diabetic eye disease early, avoiding unnecessary delays and ensuring timely care. It’s a small addition, but one that can help preserve patients’ vision and maintain their quality of life.
Why does all this matter? Because like many countries around the world, the UAE is seeing a significant rise in diabetes, a trend that comes with serious health and economic implications.
That’s why at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we’re committed to changing the story. Through early detection, smarter monitoring, and seamless care, we’re empowering patients to manage their condition with greater confidence and fewer complications. Whether it’s through virtual check-ins or in-person interventions, we’re building a system that meets patients where they are.
And we’re not doing it alone. Through collaborations with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and key health partners, we’re helping to scale and strengthen our model of care, driving better outcomes and setting new benchmarks for diabetes management in the region.
Looking ahead, the future of endocrinology lies in smarter, more connected care. Tools like AI, predictive analytics, and precision medicine are making treatment more personalized and proactive. With its strong national focus on healthcare innovation, the UAE is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation, and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is proud to be part of that momentum.
Our vision is simple: to help people with diabetes live longer, healthier, and more confident lives.
About the Author
Dr. Ola Jarad, MD, is a Staff Physician in the Endocrinology Department of the Medical Specialty Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. She previously served as a Consultant Endocrinologist at the Specialized Medical Centre Hospital in Riyadh, where she was awarded Best Performance Doctor in 2017. Dr. Jarad earned her medical degree and master’s in Endocrine and Metabolism from Damascus University and holds the Jordanian Board in Endocrinology and Metabolism.
