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On February 6, 2010, over 500 health care professionals gathered in Tripoli, Libya to witness two major National Health Service achievements related to the evaluation and combating the burden of non-communicable diseases. The results of the first national non-communicable diseases (STEPwise) survey were revealed and the first national diabetes care guidelines were launched. These were the fruit of collaboration of the government departments and their agencies, non-government organizations, regional and international organizations, and national scientific societies. The survey results showed an alarmingly high prevalence of non-communicable diseases [Diabetes 16.4%, Hypertension (40.6%), and overweight/obesity (63.5%)]. These can be attributed to the low rates of physical activities (43.8%) and poor dietary habits (34%). Passive smoking is common at home and the work place. However, Active smoking is very common (49.6%) and seems to start at a young age (19 years). Hypercholesterolemia affected 20.9% of the adult population. The Diabetes Care Guidelines were developed using the "derived" model by adapting regional and international guidelines to the local needs of Libyan patients. They included guidance on diagnosis, evaluation and clinical management in addition to the organizational issues. It remains for all concerned to get together to meet the challenges of non-communicable diseases and translate the guidelines to clinical practice in the real world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Significant benefit from involving community pharmacists in diabetes management has been demonstrated. This study was undertaken to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of community pharmacists to diabetes care in Tripoli, Libya. Materials and Methods: One hundred and forty six conveniently selected community pharmacists were surveyed by 2 questionnaires. The first documented the available services and pharmacists' perceived role in diabetes care. The second evaluated the pharmacists' diabetes knowledge based on a validated 23 item questionnaire, the "Arabic Short Diabetes Knoledge Test" (ASDKT). Results: The survey demonstrated inconsistent supply of different diabetic medications. Insulin was not available throughout most of the pharmacies, whereas Sulphonylureas and Metformin were more readily available. Urine and blood glucose testing strips and glucose meters were available irregularly in about half of the pharmacies. The role of pharmacists in diabetes care was mainly viewed as supply and dispensing, dispensing and instruction and help and support. Diabetes educational activities offered by the pharmacists included providing information on availability of diabetes-related items, counseling on the use of drugs, instruction on use of glucose meters and answering general questions about diabetes. The information provided was rated as good and adequate by almost three quarters of the participants. The median ASDKT's overall score for all questions was 16/23. General diabetes information score was 9/15 and for insulin therapy-specific questions was 7/8. The sources of information used in diabetic education were books and journals, through learning from colleagues, product literature and attending lectures were thought to be helpful. Pharmacists were prepared to enhance their education by meetings and lectures, Journals and books, audiotapes and self-education. Conclusions: Community pharmacists offer a readily accessible potential resource for diabetes education. Our survey of practicing pharmacists, elucidated their readiness to participate in a multidisciplinary diabetes management team. Incorporation of community pharmacists in any national diabetes educational program is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Libyan Association for Diabetes and Endocrinology (LADE) held its annual conference LDEC2009 over three days on April 7-9, 2009, in Tripoli. This was the seventh in the series of Libyan diabetes and endocrine conferences. It was the fourth conference held in the extended three-day format. The program targeted consultants and specialists in diabetes and endocrinology as well as other branches of general internal medicine who practice in hospitals and polyclinics. It included many primary health care providers. The conference seems to be emerging as the key "national" event in Libyan diabetes and endocrine circles. Many delegates attended from various parts of the country. Some delegates came for the first time from Sebha, Zliten, and Sirte. The representatives of the National Ministry of Health and The Libyan Board for Medical Specialties also acknowledged its status in their introductions during the opening ceremony. LDEC2009 had more satellite events than previous conferences the festival nearly an entire week. Two of these were outside Tripoli for the first time. "Sebha Diabetes Review 2009" was held jointly by the LADE and the Faculty of Medicine, University of Sebha. The "Zawia Diabetes Review 2009" was jointly organized by LADE and the Faculty of Medicine, 7th April University, Zawia. We received comprehensive press coverage throughout the three days. Unique new features included international speakers, the LADE Clinical debate, attendance by Libyan physicians in training from the UK and Italy, and notably that it was officially held under the auspices of LADE and included its AGM with a healthy and transparent discussion as well as accountability of the board to the General Assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]