Symposium on diabetes care

NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The four-day sixth "Practical Diabetes Update" symposium will start on Thursday at the Sheraton Subang Hotel & Towers in Subang Jaya.
Renowned American expert Professor Dr Harold E. Lebovitz will speak on the prospects and challenges of stem cell therapy for diabetes.
He will deliver a paper on "Stem-cell Transplant: Hope of Cure for Type 1 Diabetics?"
Diabetes is a disease characterised by high blood glucose levels resulting from an insufficiency of insulin, the hormone that helps transport glucose (that’s converted from food) into the cells of the body to provide energy.
This insufficiency occurs because of irreversible damage to cells in the pancreas.
According to Lebovitz, stem cell therapy might make it possible to get the pancreas functioning properly.
"The symposium provides an excellent opportunity for healthcare professionals to be briefed on the latest developments in the practical aspects of diabetes care," said Datuk Dr Prof Mustaffa Embong, the executive director of National Diabetes Institute (Nadi).
The institute is the organiser of the symposium.
Other topic highlights include "Role of Gut Hormones in Diabetes: Clinical Implications" (Prof Juliana Chan, Hong Kong) and "The Endocannabinoids: Useful for Diabetics?" (Prof Thep Himathongkam, Thailand).
Registration forms are available on www.nadidia-betes.com.my or call Nadi for more information at (03) 7876 1676/1677, or fax (03) 7876 1679.