Dr. Naira Chobanyan, oncologist and professor of clinical medicine at AUC, presented at the 21st International Congress of Endocrinology (ICE 2024) held in Dubai on March 1-3, 2024, to showcase the university's community-based research on Type 2 diabetes. Organized by the International Society of Endocrinology (ISE) and the Emirates Diabetes & Endocrine Society (EDES), the conference drew nearly 5,000 participants from around the world.
The presentation ― “Is the association between BMI and insulin resistance in Western populations a universal truth? A preliminary analysis of data from Sint Maarten” ― featured a research study using data from AUC's community outreach health fairs. Participants were given free health services, including vital signs and blood glucose levels. The study indicated that there was no association between blood glucose and BMI. While further research is needed, this study suggests that well-established risk factors for Type 2 diabetes in Western populations may not be universally applicable, serving as important clinical information for physicians caring for Afro-Caribbean populations.
Representing AUC with distinction at this prestigious event, Dr. Chobanyan shared insights on the role of BMI in Type 2 diabetes in the Afro-Caribbean population, contributing to the global dialogue on advancing endocrinological knowledge.
