Specialist physicians from around the world gathered in Doha for a two-day medical summit on diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a serious complication of type 2 diabetes.
The event, titled CONNecting Experts for Clinical besT practice in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (CONNECT-DPN), was coordinated by Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar (WCM-Q) and endorsed by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). It brought together ten senior clinicians from South-East Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, and Mexico.
Sharing global expertise
The opening day took place at WCM-Q, with sessions dedicated to the latest developments in early diagnosis, screening tools, and treatment approaches for DPN. Experts highlighted the importance of identifying risk factors and making use of updated guidelines to improve patient outcomes.
Multidisciplinary teamwork was strongly emphasized, with clinicians encouraged to involve specialists in pain management, podiatry, vascular medicine, and orthopaedics. These collaborations are seen as essential in managing advanced complications, including foot ulceration and Charcot joint abnormalities.
Cutting-edge diagnostics
On the second day, the focus shifted to the Clinical Trials Unit of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), where attendees explored the latest diagnostic technologies. These included corneal confocal microscopy, advanced neurophysiology techniques, and new approaches to pain management.
Dr Rayaz Malik, professor of medicine and assistant dean for clinical research partnerships at WCM-Q, led a workshop on integrating best practices into everyday clinical care. He noted that WCM-Q has recently been designated as an International Diabetes Federation Center of Excellence for diabetes care—the first institution in Qatar to earn this status.
A regional milestone
Dr Malik said the designation brings both prestige and responsibility:
“This means we have a responsibility to educate healthcare professionals to provide the very best care possible for our patients with diabetes, key to which is detecting and treating diabetic neuropathy as early as possible.”
He expressed gratitude to the International Diabetes Federation, Hamad Medical Corporation, sponsor Viatris, and the many international experts who contributed to what he called an “important preceptorship event.”
Rising global concern
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy affects millions worldwide and is one of the most common complications of diabetes. It can cause chronic pain, numbness, and, in severe cases, lead to limb-threatening complications.
With the global burden of diabetes increasing, medical institutions such as WCM-Q are aiming to lead research, training, and clinical care to ensure earlier detection and better management of DPN.
The Doha event underscored Qatar’s growing role in advancing regional and international collaboration in healthcare.
