University of Sharjah Unveils Innovative Prediabetes Screening Model for UAE Community Pharmacies

The University of Sharjah has made significant strides in public health research with the recent publication of the PREDICT study, a pioneering effort to integrate prediabetes screening directly into community pharmacies across the United Arab Emirates. This initiative, led by researchers from the university's College of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, addresses a critical gap in early detection within the UAE's evolving primary healthcare landscape. By leveraging accessible community pharmacies, the study demonstrates a scalable approach to identifying at-risk individuals before they progress to full type 2 diabetes, a condition alarmingly prevalent in the region.

Prediabetes, characterized by elevated blood sugar levels that are not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis—typically indicated by a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reading between 5.7% and 6.4%—serves as a vital intervention window. In the UAE, where lifestyle factors such as rapid urbanization, dietary shifts toward processed foods, and sedentary behaviors are rampant, catching this stage early can dramatically alter health trajectories through lifestyle modifications like diet, exercise, and weight management.

The PREDICT study, published in BMC Public Health on April 22, 2026, details a comprehensive program that combines point-of-care testing with an online diabetes prevention curriculum, marking a first-of-its-kind implementation in the UAE's pharmacy sector. Access the full study here for in-depth methodology and data.

The Growing Diabetes Burden in the UAE: Why Screening Matters Now

The United Arab Emirates faces one of the world's highest diabetes prevalence rates, with approximately 16-20% of adults aged 20-79 affected, according to the International Diabetes Federation's Diabetes Atlas. IDF Diabetes Atlas UAE data highlights that prediabetes affects around 11-16% of the population, often undiagnosed due to limited routine screening in primary care settings. Expatriates and nationals alike contribute to this epidemic, exacerbated by genetic predispositions in South Asian and Middle Eastern populations, high obesity rates exceeding 30%, and consanguineous marriages common in some communities.

Primary healthcare in the UAE, bolstered by initiatives like the National Program for Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, emphasizes prevention, yet community-level screening remains underdeveloped. Traditional clinics often face overcrowding, long wait times, and reliance on self-referral, leaving many asymptomatic individuals undetected. Community pharmacies, with over 1,500 outlets nationwide and high footfall, offer an ideal alternative—convenient, trusted, and equipped for point-of-care diagnostics.

University of Sharjah's Research Institute: A Hub for Healthcare Innovation

At the forefront of this advancement is the University of Sharjah's Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS), particularly its Improving Health Care Delivery and Medicines Use (IHCDMU) group. Established in 2016, IHCDMU focuses on translating evidence into practical services for UAE primary and secondary care. Led by experts like Hamzah Alzubaidi, the team has a track record of pharmacy-led interventions, including earlier diabetes risk assessments. Learn more about IHCDMU projects.

The university, a leading institution in the UAE with over 14,000 students across health sciences, exemplifies how higher education drives national health priorities. Collaborations with Deakin University, University of Sydney, and local pharmacies underscore its global and regional impact, fostering interprofessional models that empower pharmacists as frontline screeners.

Unpacking the PREDICT Study: A Step-by-Step Implementation Framework

The PREDICT study followed the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework, ensuring robust design tailored to UAE contexts. In the Exploration phase, surveys of 279 community members showed 84% acceptance of pharmacy screening, with 59% viewing pharmacies as ideal venues. Semi-structured interviews with pharmacists and physicians identified barriers like training gaps and referral pathways.

Preparation involved focus groups for cultural adaptation of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)—originally a U.S. lifestyle intervention proven to reduce diabetes incidence by 58%. Materials were translated into Arabic, incorporating UAE dietary staples like dates and camel milk alternatives, while addressing cultural norms around family meals and Ramadan fasting. Fifteen pharmacies were selected in Sharjah and nearby emirates, with pharmacists trained in HbA1c point-of-care testing (using finger-prick devices accurate within 15 minutes), risk scoring via Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC), and motivational interviewing.

Implementation screened 1,320 adults (mean age 41, 62% male), revealing 24.3% (321 individuals) with undiagnosed prediabetes and 12% (159) with diabetes. High-risk participants were seamlessly referred to a six-month online DPP, delivered by diabetes educators via video sessions focusing on sustainable changes: 150 minutes weekly moderate exercise, 7% weight loss, and low-fat diets adapted for Gulf cuisines.

• Screening Process: 5-minute risk questionnaire + HbA1c test.
• Referral Rate: 100% automated for prediabetes cases.
• Completion: Program averaged six months, with high engagement due to mobile-friendly platform.

Groundbreaking Results: Detection Rates and Participant Outcomes

The study's detection rates underscore pharmacies' potential: nearly one in four screened had prediabetes, many unaware, aligning with national estimates but highlighting underdiagnosis. Participants showed improved self-efficacy in lifestyle changes post-program, with preliminary data indicating sustained HbA1c reductions. No adverse events occurred, affirming safety.

Demographics reflected UAE diversity: 62% male, diverse expatriates (South Asians prominent), urban dwellers. Risk factors mirrored regional trends—obesity (BMI >30 in 40%), family history (35%), and inactivity. This real-world evidence positions pharmacies as diabetes sentinels, reducing primary care burden.

Empowering Community Pharmacies in UAE Primary Healthcare

UAE's primary healthcare is decentralizing toward prevention, with Vision 2031 prioritizing NCDs. Pharmacies, regulated by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), bridge gaps—open extended hours, multilingual staff, and trusted for OTC advice. PREDICT equips them with protocols, boosting their role beyond dispensing to screening hubs.

Challenges like reimbursement were addressed via university grants; scalability involves MOHAP integration, potentially reimbursing tests at AED 20-50. Stakeholder buy-in was key: physicians endorsed referrals, reducing specialist overload.

Culturally Tailored Online Prevention: Bridging Screening to Action

The online DPP adaptation was pivotal: 12 weekly sessions + boosters, using Zoom and apps for tracking. Content covered portion control (e.g., smaller hummus servings), walking in malls (UAE-friendly), and family involvement. Retention exceeded 70%, higher than traditional DPPs, thanks to Arabic/English duality and reminders.

Step-by-step: Week 1 goal-setting; Weeks 2-6 diet; 7-12 activity; maintenance thereafter. Metrics included weight loss (average 4kg), steps (to 8,000/day), validating efficacy in diverse UAE groups.

Policy Implications: Shaping UAE's National Diabetes Strategy

PREDICT informs UAE's diabetes action plan, advocating pharmacy networks for annual screening targets (e.g., 1 million by 2030). Cost-effectiveness: AED 50/screen vs. AED 10,000/year diabetes management. Policymakers can mandate training via Emirates Pharmacists Group, linking to SEHA/DoH systems.

Broader: Reduces 20% projected diabetes rise, saving billions, aligning with UAE Centennial 2071 health goals.

University of Sharjah's Broader Contributions to UAE Health Research

Beyond PREDICT, Sharjah leads in NCDs: earlier pharmacy diabetes pilots detected 26% prediabetes. RIMHS's interdisciplinary teams—pharmacy, medicine, public health—publish prolifically, influencing MOHAP guidelines. Student involvement fosters next-gen researchers.

• Training 50+ pharmacists annually.
• Partnerships with Dasman Institute, Qatar University.
• Future: AI-risk tools, telepharmacy expansion.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Voices from Pharmacists and Patients

Pharmacists reported empowerment: "Screening fits seamlessly; patients trust us." Participants: "Convenient, no clinic queues; online program changed my habits." Physicians: "Reduces undiagnosed cases flooding clinics."

Future Outlook: Scaling PREDICT Nationwide and Beyond

Sustainment phase underway: policy briefs to MOHAP, app commercialization. Sharjah eyes GCC expansion, digital health integration. Challenges: funding, equity for low-income/expat groups—addressed via subsidies.

For UAE universities, PREDICT exemplifies translational research, positioning Sharjah as health innovation leader, attracting talent amid UAE's knowledge economy push.

Careers in UAE Health Research: Opportunities at the Forefront

This study highlights demand for pharmacy, public health experts. University of Sharjah and peers seek researchers, lecturers—bridging academia and policy.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash