Preventive Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes Pioneered in Saudi Arabia
Table of Contents
in a groundbreaking advancement, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has successfully implemented the first preventive treatment of its kind. This treatment limits the growth of type 1 diabetes in adults and children aged eight years and above who have been diagnosed in the early stages of the disease. This represents a notable step towards early preventive intervention for a condition considered one of the most common autoimmune diseases among children and adolescents.
Professor Dr. bassam Saleh bin Abbas,a consultant in endocrinology and diabetes at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center,stated that this treatment can maintain the function of pancreatic beta cells for a longer period and reduce the early need for insulin after diagnosis. He emphasized that these results position the treatment as a cornerstone in shifting from treating the disease after onset too immunoprevention and delaying its development.
Understanding Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in Saudi Arabia
Type 1 diabetes is a prevalent chronic disease among children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom ranks highly globally in the annual incidence of this disease. Recent studies from the International Diabetes Federation indicate that the incidence of type 2 diabetes is also significant.
Diabetes Prevalence Statistics in the Kingdom (2026)
- Overall Diabetes prevalence: Approximately 18.9% of the adult population (ages 20-79) is living with diabetes.
- Type 1 Diabetes: Accounts for roughly 5-10% of all diabetes cases in Saudi Arabia. Incidence rates are increasing, notably among younger populations.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Represents 90-95% of all diabetes cases. Driven by factors like lifestyle changes, obesity, and genetics.
the increasing prevalence of both types of diabetes underscores the importance of preventative measures and early intervention strategies like the one pioneered at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center.
Key Takeaways
- King Faisal Specialist hospital and Research Center has implemented a first-of-its-kind preventive treatment for type 1 diabetes.
- The treatment aims to preserve pancreatic beta cell function and delay the need for insulin.
- Saudi Arabia has a high prevalence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- Early intervention and immunoprevention are crucial for managing diabetes effectively.
Publication date: 2026/01/05 20:13:45