Alessio is dedicated to merging the realms of sports science and healthcare. As a Clinical Exercise Physiologist, he is committed to optimizing patient health through evidence-based exercise programs and physiological assessments. Alessio is passionate about Educating and promoting the benefits of regular physical activity for individuals in all age groups. With a Master’s degree in Sports Science from Universita’ degli Studi dell’Aquila in Italy, he takes pride in having the knowledge to serve you better.

His expertise lies in crafting personalized exercise interventions designed for individuals coping with diverse health conditions.

Hala Zakaria, a Clinical Dietitian and Researcher specializing in Diabetes Management. With a Master’s degree in Diabetes Management, she offers expert guidance on insulin resistance, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Pediatric nutrition as well as Gestational Diabetes management. Hala Zakaria is dedicated to promoting overall wellness and public health, providing practical advice on nutrition, weight management, and the prevention of chronic diseases. An ardent enthusiast of clinical research, who is deeply committed to integrating the latest research findings into clinical practice, ensuring that evidence-based approaches drive the best possible outcomes. She is an engaging speaker and educator, frequently conducting informative events and webinars, and making complex nutritional concepts accessible to diverse audiences. Hala Zakaria is committed to empowering individuals and communities to make informed, healthy dietary decisions, fostering a positive impact on health and well-being.

Dr. Alessandra Pipan is a highly qualified Medical Doctor, having graduated from La Sapienza University of Rome. She specialized in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Catholic University of Rome, with a sub-specialty in Gynaecological Endocrinology. Dr. Pipan later earned a Master of Science in Stem Cells and Regeneration from Bristol University.

Throughout her illustrious medical career, she has worked in distinguished teaching hospitals in Italy and Dubai, receiving training in the areas of Obstetrics, follow-up of low and high-risk pregnancies, and labor management. Dr. Pipan has a special interest in lower genital tract pathology, cervical and endometrial cancer prevention, and the management of abnormal uterine bleeding.

Committed to providing quality and innovative patient-centered healthcare, Dr. Pipan focuses on delivering the best possible care to her patients. She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the European Society of Human Reproduction (ESHRE), the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ISUOG), and the European Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE).

Her track record of high-quality service and devotion to patient-centered healthcare makes Dr. Alessandra Pipan an excellent addition to the GluCare.Health team.

Dr. Haluk Kulaksizoglu is a distinguished professor and consultant in urology with extensive experience in the field, and he is currently a valuable member of the GluCare.Health Team. From 2000 to 2012, he served as a consultant and Department Chief of Andrology at the Istanbul Training and Research Center. Following this, he became the founding Chairman of the Department of Urology at Selcuk University’s Selcuklu Medical Faculty in Konya. In 2016, Dr. Kulaksizoglu was appointed as a full professor and Chairman of the Department of Urology at Istanbul Bilim University, a position he held until 2019. Since 2019, he has been practicing in Dubai.

Dr. Kulaksizoglu’s primary areas of interest include andrology (men’s health), prostate diseases, neuro-urology, female urology, urologic prosthetic surgeries, and general urology.

A graduate of Istanbul University’s Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty in 1991, Dr. Kulaksizoglu completed his residency at Istanbul Training and Research Hospital in Turkey. He then pursued a fellowship in andrology and neuro-urology at Boston University Medical School’s Department of Urology from 1994 to 1998. Afterward, he served his military service at Etimesgut Airforce Hospital between 1998 and 2000.

Dr. Kulaksizoglu is a prolific contributor to the field of urology, with over 50 published scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, numerous conference presentations, and authorships in medical books.

Dr. Yousef Said is GluCare.Health’s Medical director, and a German board-certified specialist in Internal Medicine and Diabetology.  From 2013-2017, Dr. Yousef Said served at Vinzenz Pallotti Hospital Bensberg, Germany, within the Department of Internal Medicine, Hemato/Oncology and Gastroenterology. Dr Yousef Said later worked as specialist in Internal Medicine and Diabetology at St. Vinzenz Hospital Cologne within the Internal Medicine and Diabetology/Endocrinology Department. 

He has a special interest in the diagnosis and treatment of Diabetic Foot Syndrome. He previously served as the Director of Internal Medicine department at AACSH, Dubai Healthcare City. Dr. Yousef graduated from the University of Cologne Medical School, Germany.

Dr. Kowshik is a highly skilled and experienced Pediatric Endocrinologist, dedicated to providing exceptional care for children. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Kowshik has established himself as a trusted specialist in the field.

Having obtained prestigious qualifications, including a Fellowship (FRCPCH) and Membership (MRCPCH) from the renowned Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health in London, Dr. Kowshik brings a wealth of knowledge to his practice.

Throughout his career, Dr. Kowshik has worked in esteemed tertiary centers in the UK, such as Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Leeds University Hospital, and University Hospital of Wales Cardiff. This exposure has allowed him to gain extensive expertise and specialized training in Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes.

Dr. Kowshik’s commitment to staying at the forefront of his field is evident by his active membership in various International Pediatric Endocrine Societies, including The European Society of Pediatric Endocrinology (ESPE), the British Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (BSPED), Arab Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (ASPED), and International Endocrine Society.

At GluCare.Health, Dr. Kowshik is delighted to extend his expertise and caring nature to children and their parents. He believes in a holistic, family-centered approach to the management of diabetes and other endocrine disorders, ensuring the best possible outcomes for his young patients.

With Dr. Kowshik’s guidance and compassionate care, families can trust that they are receiving top-notch treatment and support for their children’s health needs.”

Emma is the Laboratory Manager at GluCare.Health. She received her Bachelor of Applied Science in Laboratory Medicine from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. Emma has extensive laboratory experience, previously working in a large hospital laboratories in Australia and the United Kingdom. Her skills include clinical biochemistry and laboratory automation.

Emma is excited to live in the UAE and looking forward to using integrated technology with clinical data to improve patient outcomes.

As Head of Coaching, Celeste leads a team of lifestyle coaches at Glucare.Health specializing in wellness and chronic disease management. Her focus at Glucare.Health is empowering and guiding patients to take charge of their life by breaking down barriers for change and becoming more self aware in their journey toward a healthier lifestyle. Celeste comes from a multi-disciplined background with extensive training in Coaching, Team Performance, Leadership, and Customer Service. She is a Certified Family Constellations Therapist and Certified Counselor on Substance abuse, having worked in the field of counseling and applied various therapeutic techniques such as shadow work, psychodrama and confrontation methodology.

Lived in Mexico, United States, and the UAE, she has instilled a strong multicultural awareness and emotional intelligence, crucial in our continuously evolving world. 

Yasmeen is a Diabetes Nurse Specialist at Glucare.Health. She earned her nursing degree at Wollongong University, her Post Graduate Diploma in Diabetes Education from University of Leicester and she completed her Master Degree in International Health Management from Bradford University. Yasmeen has extensive experience in diabetes management spanning 15 years in a variety of settings from pediatrics to geriatrics. Yasmeen is a Certified Pump Trainer and has a wealth of experience working with children and adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, women with gestational diabetes, and patients on palliative care.

Yasmeen believes nothing is more rewarding than inspiring and empowering patients with the knowledge and skills they need to reach their goals, while in return witnessing their health and quality of life improve.

Bart van Wagensveld is a Board Certified Consultant General surgeon. He completed his Medical and Surgical training in the Netherlands. He completed a dissertation on Ischemia and Reperfusion injury in the liver and a fellowship on Pancreato-Biliary surgery in London, UK. He was appointed head of the surgical department in one of the largest teaching hospitals in the Netherlands, Amsterdam and further specialized in Gastro-intestinal and Laparoscopic surgery. He established a Laparoscopic colorectal unit and later an IFSO accredited Bariatric unit and became Surgeon of Excellence in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery (European Accreditation Council for Bariatric Surgery, EAC-BS).

Dr Bart is a passionate doctor who enjoys the interaction with patients and is not afraid to give an honest opinion and advice. He has a strong academic profile (over 100 peer reviewed articles, 2 book chapters) and is a past President of the Dutch Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (DSMBS). In September 2017 he moved with his wife and 3 daughters to the UAE to start a Dutch originated multidisciplinary lifestyle program before and after surgical and non-surgical interventions and acted as Chief Medical Officer and consultant Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgeon.

Dr. Milena is a Brazilian board-certified specialist in the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorders. She graduated medical school in 2007 in Brazil and completed a residency in Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorders specializing in the management of Diabetes at one of the largest hospitals in São Paulo, Hospital Beneficência Portuguesa of São Paulo., Dr. Milena also completed a specialization in General Endocrinology at Hospital das Clínicas – USP Medical School in 2013 – attending more complex cases such as adrenal and hypophysis diseases.

Guided by the desire to keep current in Endocrinology and Metabology, Dr. Milena participated in observation programs on Thyroid in Siena (Servizio Furio Pacini) and Diabetic Foot in Sheffield (Royal Hallamshire Hospital). Dr. Milena participates regularly in international conferences of EndoSociety and the American Diabetes Association, and is active at  Harvard Medical School’s General Endocrinology and Obesity meetings.

Dr. Milena has a special interest in physiological treatments for Diabetes Mellitus such as the use of continuous glucose monitoring  and insulin infusion pumps with carbohydrate counting.

Dr. Cigdem Ozkan is a graduate of Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, one of Turkey’s most prestigious and respected international medical faculties. She has completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the same university and her fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases at Gazi University Faculty of Medicine in Turkey.

Dr. Cigdem has 17 years of experience in Internal Medicine and 12 years of experience in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism. She holds a European Board Certification in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism. With her works and research, Dr. Cigdem has been awarded an Associate Professor of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism. During her career, she worked as a clinician and educator in the Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism subspecialty residency program.

Dr. Cigdem’s area of specialty includes obesity and adipose tissue-related disorders, diabetes, lipid disorders, cardiovascular endocrinology, thyroid disorders, parathyroid disorders, female and male gonadal disorders, hirsutism, menstrual disorders, polycystic ovarian syndrome, menopause, bone and mineral metabolism disorders such as osteoporosis, osteopenia, vitamin deficiencies as well as adrenal and pituitary disorders.

Dr. Cigdem is a member of the Endocrine Society, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the European Society of Endocrinology, and the Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism of Turkey. She gives utmost importance to personalized treatment options and engaging patients in decision-making through discussing all their concerns and wishes.

Rana Sultan (M.S; L.D,) is a clinical dietitian with over 15 years of work experience in nutrition and dietetics. She has  worked as a clinical dietitian in hospitals, diet centers and clinics where she was in charge of the nutritional care plan especially for Diabetes, Weight management, and Cardiovascular diseases.

Rana has also worked as a diabetes nutrition consultant where she conducted training sessions for health care professionals on the principles of diabetic diets, especially in relation to carbohydrate counting. Rana holds a Bachelor and a Master degree in Nutrition and Dietetics with honors from the American University of Beirut. She was also a nutrition and dietetic  instructor for many years at the American University of Beirut (AUB) and the University of Saint-Joseph- Beirut (USJ) ,where she instructed several courses and developed curriculum and lab manual for them.

Rana has also published an educational nutrition storybook used for nutritional awareness for children. Rana believes that a proper nutrition education and guidance can empower patients to make healthy food choices and customize their diet according to their food preferences, culture, lifestyle and budget leading to life-changing health results.

Nicole is part of the team of lifestyle coaches at GluCare. She is a certified Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner through the Nutritional Therapy Association, RYT 200hr Yoga Instructor, and Mindfulness Coach. Her interest in holistic wellness evolved after witnessing several family members struggle with chronic illness. Through her studies in functional nutrition, she became aware of the interconnectedness of the body and its profound capacity for healing. She believes that the food we eat, how we move our bodies, how we sleep and manage stress, and how we show up for ourselves and our community impact our health and the quality of our lives. Her life mission is to educate and empower others to become health advocates, achieve their health goals through sustainable lifestyle shifts, and build lifelong habits.

Joelle is part of the team of lifestyle coaches in GluCare.

Graduating as a social worker from Saint Joseph University in Lebanon, Joelle has worked with families that have children with disabilities. She is experienced in providing emotional support and assisting with parenting stress, and ways to balance daily family responsibilities in times of crisis. Within her experience as a pediatrics coach with T1D, her passion for working with children inspired her to expand her knowledge in child psychology. Joelle can create a space where patients feel welcomed and heard through her multicultural awareness and warm approach. She is devoted to guiding people to pursue their health goals and overcome barriers through confidence building, self-awareness and self-efficacy. 

In her role, Begüm plays a crucial role in supporting individuals’ progress by assisting them in monitoring weight changes, blood sugar levels, and food intake. Through private and group sessions, she educates individuals on making healthy eating choices and encourages blood sugar-friendly options.

Areas of Expertise

• Insulin resistance
• Reactive hypoglycemia
• Glucose intolerance
• Diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, LADA, Gestational Diabetes)
• Carbohydrate Counting
• Obesity
• Malnutrition
• Metabolic Syndrome

Education Timeline

• 2019 – Yeditepe University, Nutrition, and Dietetics, Master’s Degree (Istanbul, Turkiye)
• 2014 – Yeditepe University, Nutrition, and Dietetics, Bachelor’s Degree (Istanbul, Turkiye)

Career Experience

Dr. Joudy Kattan is a Syrian board-certified Endocrinologist with a strong focus on diabetes and endocrine systems. She earned her medical degree from Aleppo University, Faculty of Medicine in 2015. Driven by her passion, she completed the Internal Medicine residency program at Aleppo University Hospital (AUH) and obtained a Master’s Degree in Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, as well as the Syrian Board certification in Endocrinology and Diabetology.

With extensive experience in diagnosing and treating prediabetic and diabetic patients, Dr. Joudy is skilled in prescribing oral hypoglycemic medications, injectable medications such as various insulin preparations, and GLP-1 receptor agonists. She also specializes in managing complex endocrine disorders involving the thyroid, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, and parathyroid glands.
Committed to staying current with the latest advancements in obesity treatments, Dr. Joudy guides her patients in managing their weight through healthy lifestyle choices and administers appropriate treatments when necessary.

During her tenure at AUH, Dr. Joudy volunteered in a Women Empowerment Program, training young women and showcasing her dedication to both women’s health and personal development.

Dr. Judith is a Lebanese board-certified consultant in Endocrinology. She earned her medical degree from Saint Joseph University in Beirut in 2011 and completed her residency in Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases at Hotel Dieu de France in Beirut and Hospital Cochin in Paris in 2016. Dr. Judith furthered her training in Essential Obesity and Psychological Approaches at the National Center for Eating Disorders and the British Psychological Society Learning Centre in London.

Dr. Zina is a distinguished Board-Certified Senior Cardiologist, boasting over 19 years of experience in her field. A proud graduate of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, she was recognized as the Best Cardiology Resident in 2003 and earned her Board Certification in 2004 with the highest possible grade.

Following her impressive academic achievements, Dr. Zina embarked on her career as a Specialist Cardiologist at several prestigious hospitals and clinics in Tehran, where she honed her skills for nine years.

In 2013, Dr. Zina relocated to Dubai and assumed the role of Head of the Cardiology Department and Senior Specialist at various renowned hospitals and clinics in the city.

Dr. Zina’s expertise encompasses managing and treating both in-patient and out-patient cardiac cases. She is proficient in performing and interpreting Transthoracic Echocardiography, ECG and BP Holter monitoring, exercise tests, and stress echocardiography. Her experience spans a wide range of cardiac conditions, including hypertension, acute heart attack, valvular heart diseases, and arrhythmia.

Dr. Zina’s primary interest lies in the realm of preventive cardiology, with a particular focus on patients with diabetes and other coronary risk factors. Her dedication to the field and commitment to her patient’s well-being makes her an invaluable asset to the medical community.

Sofia is the Nurse manager at Glucare.Health. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from National College of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova and is receiving her Masters in Science of Nursing in Coventry University, United Kingdom. She has worked as a nurse in Dubai and has extensive experience in clinic management, as well as critical/acute care, oncology, chronic disease management and training development. Her nursing career has been dedicated to creating high quality, reliable systems of care and developing the next generation of nurses and healthcare professionals who are empowered, compassionate and lead patients towards healing not only through conventional treatments, but also through positive changes in their lifestyles.

Sofia is especially excited to be a pioneer in transforming Diabetes care and introducing a Holistic approach to care in the UAE.

Carolyn is the Head of Operations at GluCare.Health and is a board certified Advanced Nurse Executive. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing from Brigham Young University and later earned a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education. Prior to joining GluCare.Health, Carolyn was the Director of Patient Experience at the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi where she created a culturally appropriate Patient Experience program in the Middle East.

She also worked as the Director of Nursing Operations and Patient Experience for Healthcare Corporation of America. Carolyn is passionate about infusing Patient Experience in the technology and machine learning based environment at GluCare.Health.