On December 4th, 2024, the Medical Analysis Department at Tishk International University (TIU) held a National Workshop in recognition of International Diabetes Day. Although World Diabetes Day is officially celebrated annually on November 14th, this event extended the global awareness campaign, focusing on diabetes education, prevention, and management. The initiative was originally established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The workshop featured two distinguished speakers who provided valuable insights into diabetes from both clinical and immunological perspectives:

 1. Dr. Shayda Ziyad Jamil Al-Talabany

Dr. Shayda, a lecturer at the College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, holds an M.B.Ch.B and a Fellowship in Family Medicine. In her presentation, she discussed the prevalence of diabetes in Kurdistan and Iraq, emphasizing the complications associated with hyperglycemia. Dr. Shayda highlighted practical health habits that patients can adopt to manage their condition and reduce the risk of complications.

 2. Dr. Ramiar Kamal Kheder

Dr. Ramiar, an Assistant Professor specializing in Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, holds a Ph.D. from the University of Leicester, UK, and completed postdoctoral research at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. He provided a detailed exploration of the pathogenesis of diabetes from an immunological perspective, focusing on the effects of hyperglycemia on autophagy and immune cell function. Dr. Ramiar also explained the role of hyperglycemia-induced inflammation in complications and offered strategies to improve patient health, including maintaining a healthy gut microbiota.

The event was a resounding success, providing attendees with actionable knowledge to better understand and manage diabetes. Through expert-led discussions, the workshop reinforced the importance of continued education and awareness in combating this global health challenge.