The UAEโs National Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Screening Campaign exceeded its goals by screening over 150,000 people, demonstrating the impact of early detection, lifestyle interventions, and public-private collaboration in reducing diabetes risk.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention, in collaboration with Merck Gulf, has presented the outcomes of the National Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Screening Campaign, highlighting significant progress in early detection and prevention efforts across the UAE. The findings were showcased at ISPOR Europe 2025, one of the worldโs leading conferences on health economics and outcomes research.
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Launched in October 2023 under the Government Accelerators Programme, the campaign aimed to support national efforts to reduce the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Over a one-year period, the initiative surpassed its initial target of 100,000 screenings by conducting more than 150,000 diabetes screening tests nationwide. This milestone reflects the strength of the UAEโs healthcare system, effective coordination among health authorities, and the value of public-private partnerships in advancing public health goals.
Campaign data revealed that 26.5 per cent of individuals identified as high risk were diagnosed with prediabetes, while 7.6 per cent were found to have type 2 diabetes. The results also showed notable variations across age and gender groups, reinforcing the importance of targeted screening strategies, early preventive interventions, and linking screening outcomes to structured follow-up and treatment pathways.
The findings further demonstrated the impact of lifestyle interventions, with 8.1 per cent of individuals with prediabetes returning to normal glycated haemoglobin levels within six months. Only 1 per cent of participants progressed to type 2 diabetes, underscoring the effectiveness of the Ministryโs prevention-focused approach in supporting a healthier and more sustainable community.
H.E. Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, said that diabetes and prediabetes remain among the most urgent public health challenges. He noted that national screening initiatives play a vital role in identifying high-risk groups, preventing serious complications, and reducing long-term health and economic burdens. Prioritising regular screening, alongside strengthening a culture of prevention, he added, is essential to building a healthier and more resilient society aligned with the UAE leadershipโs vision.
Dr Buthaina Bin Belaila, Head of the Non-Communicable Disease and Mental Health Department at MoHAP, said that presenting the campaignโs outcomes at an international forum reflects the success of the UAEโs approach to managing non-communicable diseases. She highlighted the Ministryโs strategy of combining early screening with structured follow-up, treatment pathways, and digital tools to reach high-risk populations, supporting national health indicators and sustainable public health outcomes.
Ahmed Abo El Fadl, General Manager of Merck Gulf, said diabetes continues to pose a major health challenge across the Gulf region, stressing the importance of strong collaboration between public and private sectors. He noted that data-driven, science-based partnerships are key to supporting national health policies and improving population health, while international platforms such as ISPOR Europe 2025 provide valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and shared learning.
