Job Discussion Forums

web fishing · Joined: 02 Jun 2005 Posts: 95

I have Type 2 Diabetes in which my insulin is mainly controlled by diet and exercise, however, sometimes I need medication to help lower my insulin level. I am planning on teaching in the UAE or Oman and was wondering if there are any other diabetics out there who can give me some advice on the availability of medication? How are the hospitals in monitoring and treating diabetics, etc..?

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

... is a very common illness in the Gulf states, so I imagine insulin is readily available here.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Yes, it is a very common disease there. But, I wonder if it may not keep you from being hired. I have never worked with anyone who was diabetic. I fear that because of the fact that the medical system is free, they may exclude someone who could be seen as a financial drain.

I don't know of it happening, but there is a possiblity.

VS

nomadykaty · Joined: 03 May 2004 Posts: 60

I don't think you'll have a problem getting medical treatment in the UAE nor getting hired. I work with a person who was diagnosed with cancer before she started her job in the UAE and another who knew she was pregnant before she signed her contract. So I can't imagine that they would not hire you.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Pregnant is never a problem... They are so family oriented that they never consider it a bad thing. (unless one is single, of course)

I have heard various results with cancer. I recall a man who stayed and eventually died there (though he got very good treatment), and I know another who was terminated and sent home. It may depend on the employer.

VS

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Some employers will consider diabetes as valid grounds to terminate you. Some are more understanding.

25 percent of the population of KSA is diabetic

middleeast_not · Joined: 14 Jul 2005 Posts: 5

I'm a insulin dependent diabetic in Bahrain. It is very common here, but like you they are Type 2. Insulin is easy to get, but expensive here, i don't need a prescription i simply walk into a pharmacy.

What I don't recommend here, under any circumstance is to trust the medical staff here for anything serious. I would fly out to UK or America for that. Despite however money they have spent, the quality is so poor.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Medical treatment depends on where you go. I had a quadruple heart bypass in a hospital in Saudi Arabia. Unthinkable a few years back !

web fishing · Joined: 02 Jun 2005 Posts: 95

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

It was a "learning experience". What surprised me was how good the medical treatment was.

mci · Joined: 11 Sep 2004 Posts: 56 Location: Oman

Holy moly Scot ! I always assumed you didn't have a heart Very Happy

I read somewhere that Oman is rated as 5 or 6 in the world for health care. Seems a bit high but certainly there is excellent care here, no waiting lots of real doctors etc...

mci

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

i had major surgery at the Royal Hospital a few years back. I found the medical care in Oman to be outstanding. Just like everywhere, you have to find the right doctor for your problem, but outside of a few specialties not covered, the system there is very good. Not all treatments are covered for expats, like MRIs (even the Omanis end up on a long waiting list), but you can go to independent labs and get it done within a day or so for about 10% of the cost in the US.

VS

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

What. pray tell. ıs an MRI ?

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Do a google on it, Scot... I am too lazy to explain it. The step about a CT scan for peering into the body without cutting it open. Not even any needles for this one... but sooooo expensive...

VS

Gnome · Joined: 05 May 2004 Posts: 74

Scot,

MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The old CT scan was pretty good and is still used to diagnose strokes, etc. because it is abundant and cheap. On the otherhand, the MRI gives a much clearer picture of soft tissue injuries. For example, after you tear a ligament in your knee during a Hash House Run, an MRI can show exactly which ligament has been injured. It gives a very clear picture. There are MRI clinics all over the world, and most charge about $700CDN for a diagnosis. It is well worth the money, especially for sports injuries or back problems, before proceeding to surgery. No more guess work involved for the surgeon.