The College of Nursing and College of Health Sciences hosted a panel on diabetes as a multi-layered problem for several specialists, titled: 'Diabetes as a multifaceted problem: views and perspectives from different specialisations; identifying and controlling its complications'. The panel took place in Professor Dr Ali Qaradaghi Hall on November 17, 2025.

Panellist Dr Khalid Hama-Salih, a specialist in paediatrics from the College of Medicine at Sulaimani University, said that diabetes in children is a widespread problem. The disease itself is ancient; it has been around for as long as humans have existed, and it is largely a hereditary disease. There are several main symptoms: excessive urination, weight loss in children, and excessive thirst. Children need to use insulin medication. It is very important for parents to accept the illness of their child and seek the right medication. Many families cannot afford medicine for their children; therefore, it is important for the government to increase funds and for charity groups to raise funds and contribute more to help with the problem. Diabetes is not lethal if the right treatment is accepted and used, he said.

Dr Zanyar Aghal, a specialist in internal medicine and lecturer at the Kurdistan Higher Council of Medical Specialists, stated that diabetes is a common problem and is on the rise in our region. There can be types of diabetes that are still unknown to us. The problem starts with the pancreas when it cannot produce enough insulin. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, brain strokes, kidney problems, blood vessel damage, etc. When blood sugar is higher than what the body can handle, it becomes toxic in the body, he concluded. He recommended daily walking for at least half an hour and balancing diet in terms of quality and quantity. Also, we have to be aware of social myths about the disease; always follow the doctor's advice, he said.

Dr Bakhtiyar Qadir Jaff, a specialist in surgery and ophthalmology and Asst Professor at the College of Medicine at Sulaimani University, mentioned that diabetes is the third leading cause of blindness in the world. High blood sugar leads to the blockage of blood vessels in the eyes or their damage. Diabetes can lead to impairment or loss of vision. Early checks are very crucial for a better treatment outcome, and the whole problem is avoidable and can be prevented.

Dr Star Ibrahim, Head of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science at the University of Human Development, moderated the panel and took questions from the audience for the speakers to answer.

World Diabetes Day is an annual international awareness campaign held on November 14 to raise issues related to diabetes, spread awareness about its causes and promote prevention.