What this condition is
A chronic condition where the body cannot regulate blood glucose due to insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction.
Why prevention matters
Type 2 diabetes drives heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, dementia and shortened lifespan.
Who is at risk
- •Family history
- •South Asian, Arab and Middle Eastern ethnicity
- •Central obesity
- •PCOS
- •Gestational diabetes
- •Sleep apnoea
Early warning signs
- •Often silent
- •Thirst, polyuria, fatigue, recurrent thrush, slow wound healing
Modifiable risk factors
- •Weight
- •Diet
- •Activity
- •Sleep
- •Stress
Non-modifiable risk factors
- •Genetics
- •Ethnicity
- •Age
Recommended screening
- •Annual HbA1c from age 35
- •Earlier if risk factors
Blood tests we use
- •HbA1c, fasting glucose
- •Fasting insulin and HOMA-IR
- •Lipids
- •Liver function
Imaging where appropriate
- •DEXA body composition for personalised planning
Lifestyle interventions
- •Nutrition — Mediterranean diet, prioritise protein and fibre, limit refined carbohydrates and ultra-processed foods.
- •Exercise — Resistance training plus aerobic activity; walk after meals.
- •Weight — 5–10% weight loss reverses most prediabetes.
- •Sleep — 7–8 hours; treat OSA.
- •Stress — Active stress reduction lowers cortisol-driven glucose elevation.
Monitoring schedule
HbA1c every 3–6 months while optimising; annually once stable.
British GP recommendations
- •Detect prediabetes early
- •Metformin or GLP-1 for selected high-risk patients
- •Family screening
Have this assessment at home, hotel, office or in our Business Bay clinic
Same British GP. Same evidence-based plan. Same-day visits across Dubai — usually within 60–90 minutes of booking.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a diabetes prevention assessment at home in Dubai?+
Yes — our British-trained GP and nurse attend your home, hotel or office anywhere in Dubai. You get a full history, examination, blood tests and a personalised written prevention plan in one visit.
What is included in an Aafiyah diabetes prevention review?+
A 30–60 minute consultation with your named GP, comprehensive bloods, targeted imaging where indicated, and a written wellness plan covering nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, medications and follow-up.
Is this covered by insurance?+
Most premium UAE and international insurers reimburse preventive care. We provide a fully coded invoice at the visit.
How often should I have a diabetes prevention review?+
Annually for most adults; sooner if you have risk factors or new symptoms. Your named GP keeps a single longitudinal record so each review builds on the last.