Mention diabetes to most people and it will probably conjure up an image of a tubby middle-aged person with a sweet tooth. However, this stereotype is often the polar opposite of the millions of diabetics out there, especially the hundreds of thousands who live with Type 1 — myself included.
Unlike the lifestyle-related causes often linked to Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 has nothing to do with waistlines or advancing years (in fact it is diagnosed early on for many). Though the precise cause is unknown, the autoimmune disease develops when the pancreas attacks itself.
I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 10, 23 years ago. That’s 23 years of multiple daily injections, finger pricks, carb-counting and doctor’s appointments — some better than others. One endocrinologist in Dubai prescribed enough insulin to bring down a horse. Another dished out constipation medication, while a third advised starvation.
Health insurance is its own beast. Ticking the “diabetes” box and watching the premiums rocket exponentially does more harm than a tub of ice cream. Financially, at least.
It’s not all doom and gloom, however. With constant medical advancements, life with diabetes only continues to get easier. From my experience, one of the silver linings of a childhood diagnosis is that you learn to get on with it. Pop star Nick Jonas has Type 1 diabetes, as does Hollywood actress Halle Berry and former UK prime minister Teresa May. Love them or loathe them, they haven’t let their diagnosis hold them back.
And here’s the secret: the quest isn’t to find a cure or wave a magic wand — it’s learning to live with it, which is where GluCare, the world’s first diabetes subscription service that launched in the UAE this year, aims to come in.
What is GluCare?
GluCare Integrated Diabetes Centre is a new clinic in Dubai that pairs doctors with technology for more efficient management of diabetes. To call it revolutionary in the game of diabetes treatments is an understatement.
By using CGMs — or continuous glucose monitors — the team of experts at GluCare can monitor diabetic patients in real-time, while a dedicated app makes it possible to directly message the care team with any questions or concerns.
Eagle-eyed readers may have spotted these white sensors on diabetics; they’re usually the size of a bottle top and placed on the upper arm area.
The CGMs collect blood sugar data and send it to an app that can be accessed by third parties — a game-changer for parents and those who need a bit of a helping hand.
The long days and nights of managing blood sugar levels — which are affected not only by food consumption, but also by sleep, stress, the weather, the menstrual cycle, exercise (or a lack thereof), illness, travel, water intake and adrenalin — is enough to get on anyone’s nerves.
It’s far too common for many to simply stop monitoring, and therefore managing glucose levels, correctly out of exhaustion from never getting them right.
CGMs help reduce that, with the modern versions going even further. As well as Type 1 diabetics, the Jumeirah clinic also cares for Type 2, prediabetic, bariatric and thyroid patients, using a subscription model that is covered by selected insurance policies.
For those without adequate insurance, the monthly subscription starts at Dh1,695 for Type 1 and Dh794 for Type 2 diabetics, without the added cost of insulin or an insulin pump. There’s also a one-off starter kit fee of Dh3,995.
For that price, patients get unlimited CGMs, a Fitbit to monitor their activity and unlimited appointments with doctors, dieticians and life coaches. But is it worth it?
What to expect at GluCare
The most impressive thing about my visit isn’t the sprawling villa, the knowledgeable team or even the in-house barista — it’s the speed of just about everything.
On arrival, blood tests, a body composition scan and retinal screening are completed in record time, with results turned around within 90 minutes by the onsite lab.
It means that when I meet with the endocrinologist, he knows everything from my three-month blood sugar average to what the backs of my eyes look like. There’s no waiting for results, traipsing back for follow-ups or speculative action plans; we have everything we need to start making important changes straight away.
Omnipod — the sweetest new technology
As part of my trial, I’m given a two-week supply of the Omnipod, a tubeless insulin pump that can be worn directly on the skin and eliminates the need for injections. Think of it like a little pancreas I can stick onto my arm.
However, instead of my brain and organs working together, insulin is administered using a small remote control that looks like a smartphone, with fractional doses allowing for much more precise blood sugar readings.
GluCare brought the device to the region four years ago. Before that, it was used widely across Europe and the US, and routinely prescribed by the NHS in the UK.
I quickly fell in love with my Omnipod and the new freedom it brought me, particularly the pre-set dosages that meant I could lie in until noon on a weekend. But, as the trial came to an end, so did my pump access, which isn't covered by my insurance or a GluCare subscription. It’s frustrating and brings home how medical advancement can be limited to a select few, even in futuristic hubs like the UAE.
The verdict
I’ve often rued not having a series of medical professionals on speed dial. However, with the GluCare app, I do. I can directly message my endocrinologist, as well as a diabetes educator, dietician and life coach.
The service feels like an arm around the shoulder, and for the newly diagnosed or children with diabetes, the reassurance at what is frankly a terrifying time is priceless.
In three weeks with GluCare, my average blood sugar level dropped considerably, leading to improved productivity and mood, much to the delight of my husband.
Above all, GluCare helps take a bit of the load, so I can focus on what really matters: putting diabetes to the back of my mind and getting on with life.
More information about GluCare in the UAE is available at glucare.health
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MATCH INFO
Euro 2020 qualifier
Russia v Scotland, Thursday, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
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Mobile phone packages comparison
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
FIXTURES
Thu Mar 15 – West Indies v Afghanistan, UAE v Scotland
Fri Mar 16 – Ireland v Zimbabwe
Sun Mar 18 – Ireland v Scotland
Mon Mar 19 – West Indies v Zimbabwe
Tue Mar 20 – UAE v Afghanistan
Wed Mar 21 – West Indies v Scotland
Thu Mar 22 – UAE v Zimbabwe
Fri Mar 23 – Ireland v Afghanistan
The top two teams qualify for the World Cup
Classification matches
The top-placed side out of Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong or Nepal will be granted one-day international status. UAE and Scotland have already won ODI status, having qualified for the Super Six.
Thu Mar 15 – Netherlands v Hong Kong, PNG v Nepal
Sat Mar 17 – 7th-8th place playoff, 9th-10th place playoff
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
Results
5.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Dirt) 1,600m, Winner: Panadol, Mickael Barzalona (jockey), Salem bin Ghadayer (trainer)
6.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,400m, Winner: Mayehaab, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass
6.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh85,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Monoski, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer
7.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (T) 1,800m, Winner: Eastern World, Royston Ffrench, Charlie Appleby
7.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (D) 1,200m, Winner: Madkal, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass
8.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (T) 1,200m, Winner: Taneen, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi
Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015
- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany
- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people
- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed
- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest
- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France
The Travel Diaries of Albert Einstein The Far East, Palestine, and Spain, 1922 – 1923
Editor Ze’ev Rosenkranz
Princeton
FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
SPECS%3A%20Polestar%203
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELong-range%20dual%20motor%20with%20400V%20battery%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E360kW%20%2F%20483bhp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E840Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20automatic%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20touring%20range%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20628km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E0-100km%2Fh%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.7sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20210kph%20%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh360%2C000%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeptember%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".
The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.
"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.
As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.
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If you go
The flights
There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.
The trip
Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.
The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.
The biog
Family: wife, four children, 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren
Reads: Newspapers, historical, religious books and biographies
Education: High school in Thatta, a city now in Pakistan
Regrets: Not completing college in Karachi when universities were shut down following protests by freedom fighters for the British to quit India
Happiness: Work on creative ideas, you will also need ideals to make people happy
Motori Profile
Date started: March 2020
Co-founder/CEO: Ahmed Eissa
Based: UAE, Abu Dhabi
Sector: Insurance Sector
Size: 50 full-time employees (Inside and Outside UAE)
Stage: Seed stage and seeking Series A round of financing
Investors: Safe City Group
The specs: 2018 Genesis G70
Price, base / as tested: Dh155,000 / Dh205,000
Engine: 3.3-litre, turbocharged V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 370hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 510Nm @ 1,300rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.6L / 100km
SPEC%20SHEET
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