Meet the Team

Dr. Al-Lahou is a nutritional epidemiologist interested in conducting population-based studies to investigate the role of nutrition in preventing and controlling noncommunicable diseases, particularly diabetes. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from Kuwait University, followed by a Master’s degree in Nutritional Epidemiology and a PhD in Nutrition Epidemiology and Data Science from Tufts University in Boston, USA. Her professional journey began as a dietitian in the Ministry of Health where she gained valuable clinical experience. Recognizing the need to make a broader impact in the field of nutrition, she transitioned to a research position at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Currently, she serves as the head of the Nutrition Unit at the Dasman Diabetes Institute (DDI).

Durra graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. She then completed a combined Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition at Boston University and a dietetic internship at Boston Medical Center. Durra then joined DDI and has been working as an adult clinical dietitian. She is a trained CounterWeight Plus Specialist for the remission of diabetes and earned a Certificate of Training in Obesity in Pediatrics and Adults from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, USA. With her extensive education, training, and experience, she is dedicated to managing people with diabetes to help them achieve their glycemic and weight goals. Currently, she runs both the nutrition and diabetes remission clinics, assisting people in achieving their health goals and reaching diabetes remission. Additionally, she participates in sharing knowledge for disease prevention, health promotion, and the management of chronic illnesses.

Reem holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science from the University of Reading and a Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition and Eating Disorders from University College London. At DDI, she provides medical nutrition therapy, teaches advanced carbohydrate counting, and delivers basic diabetes education. Additionally, she leads the Kids in Control of Food program and the Dasman Juniors program, delivering structured educational courses for children with diabetes. Reem also trains other healthcare professionals working in the diabetes field to provide the best specialized care. To her, the most rewarding part of her work is providing patients with the tools to improve their health outcomes and quality of life.

Asmaa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Science from Kuwait University and a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition from Columbia University. During her time at Columbia University, she served as a clinical researcher at the Cardiology Unit in Harlem Hospital, focusing on diabetes, kidney disease, and heart failure. Her journey began at the Ministry of Health before she joined DDI, where she now runs the adult nutrition clinic and specializes in delivering medical nutrition therapy. She also delivers group-based educational workshops for patients with type 2 diabetes. With a science-backed approach and empathetic guidance, she strives to make the journey towards a healthier lifestyle more enjoyable and sustainable.

Ali graduated from Western University in Canada with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. He furthered his education by obtaining a Post Graduate Diploma in Diabetes Care, Education, and Management from Dundee University in Scotland. With over ten years of experience in both public and private sectors, Ali is committed to helping people with diabetes manage their condition. He has extensive clinical experience and expertise in conducting educational workshops for patients, as well as awareness campaigns. His primary focus is on understanding the underlying causes of poor blood sugar control, particularly those related to nutrition, and addressing these issues through a holistic approach. He believes that the key to a successful nutrition plan is creating an approach tailored to an individual’s needs and abilities, ensuring the best adherence and outcomes.