Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) launches educational program to support type 1 diabetes management

QATAR—Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Diabetes and Endocrinology Section has introduced the Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) structured education programme in Qatar.

The programme aims to help individuals with type 1 diabetes manage their condition more effectively.

Launched in collaboration with the UK-based DAFNE Programme and Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health, it provides patients with practical skills for managing blood glucose levels while following a balanced diet.

Dr. Dabia al-Mohanadi, a senior consultant and head of the Diabetes and Endocrinology Section at Hamad General Hospital and Mesaieed General Hospital, is leading the programme.

Dr. al-Mohanadi emphasized that the programme’s goal is to empower type 1 diabetes patients to lead as normal a life as possible by maintaining healthy blood glucose levels, thereby reducing the risk of long-term complications associated with the condition.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic illness in which the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to little or no insulin production.

To address this, the DAFNE programme provides education on how to adjust insulin doses based on normal eating habits, helping patients manage their blood glucose levels more effectively.

The initiative aligns with Qatar’s National Diabetes Strategy (2016-2022) and the upcoming National Health Strategy Action Plan (2024-2030), highlighting the importance of educating patients to empower them to manage their health.

Qatar has translated the content of the DAFNE curriculum into Arabic, ensuring a wider reach within the community.

A dedicated quality assurance team has also been established and trained to gather and analyze data throughout the programme’s stages—before, during, and after the training sessions.

 This data collection is essential for monitoring the programme’s impact and maintaining its accreditation.

According to Dr. al-Mohanadi, HMC, as Qatar’s primary provider of specialized diabetes care, prioritizes expanding access to structured education for all adults with type 1 diabetes.

Senior Consultant Dr. Khaled Ashawesh noted that the programme is already operational at Hamad General Hospital and Mesaieed General Hospital, offering a supportive environment for diabetes management.

The DAFNE programme is delivered by a multidisciplinary team that includes physicians, health educators, and dietitians, ensuring comprehensive support for participants.

According to Dr. Khaled Baagar, another senior consultant, the team approach ensures that patients receive well-rounded education and guidance tailored to their individual needs.

Currently, 11 staff members, including five physicians, three educators, and three dietitians, are certified in the DAFNE curriculum, according to Dr. Hamda Abdullah.

Participants attend one session per week for five weeks, covering all aspects of diabetes self-management.

Following this educational period, a three-week observation phase allows healthcare providers to monitor each patient’s progress and outcomes.

Many individuals with type 1 diabetes have already successfully completed the programme and experienced significant improvements in managing their condition.

Looking ahead, HMC aims to expand the DAFNE programme in 2025 through a “Train the Trainer” initiative, which will enable more healthcare professionals to deliver the programme, thereby increasing its reach.

Additionally, plans are underway to establish dedicated DAFNE clinics at Hamad General Hospital and Mesaieed General Hospital, providing comprehensive evaluations for patients before and after training to track progress and enhance support.

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