Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), a subsidiary of PureHealth, has launched a specialised clinic in Abu Dhabi focused on the early detection of Type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents at increased risk of developing the condition.
The clinic is designed for families where a parent or sibling has Type 1 diabetes, as these children face a higher risk of developing the autoimmune disease. Screening is carried out through a blood test that detects diabetes-related antibodies before symptoms appear.
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Dr Asma Deeb, Consultant Pediatrician and Chair of the Paediatric Endocrinology Division at SSMC, said: “The clinic represents a fundamental shift, from reacting to crisis to identifying risk early and intervening before the disease takes hold. By combining advanced screening, innovative treatment, and an integrated multidisciplinary care model, SSMC is giving families the opportunity to protect their children’s health and quality of life.”
Dr Hassan Shawa, Acting Chair of the Endocrinology Division at SSMC, said: “The opening of the specialised early detection clinic for Type 1 diabetes represents a milestone in establishing a proactive model of care that helps delay disease progression and reduce the risk of acute complications. This step aligns with SSMC’s commitment to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare, improving the quality of life for families and the wider community, as well as reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global destination for medical care.”
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Identifying the condition at an early stage enables healthcare teams to monitor patients, educate families and make timely treatment decisions. With support from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, eligible high-risk patients can a lso receive an FDA-approved treatment shown to delay the onset of Type 1 diabetes and the need for insulin.SSMC also provides advanced diabetes management technologies, including Omnipod 5, a tubeless automated insulin delivery system that adjusts insulin delivery based on glucose readings.
The clinic brings together specialists from multiple disciplines to provide coordinated care, from risk assessment and early intervention to treatment and long-term follow-up. The service is available to children and adolescents under 18 with a family history of Type 1 diabetes through direct appointments.
