Long-Term Condition and Medication Reviews: GP in Dubai
A long-term condition is managed between the crises, not during them: a review every three to twelve months that checks the numbers, the medicines, the side effects and the things that drift. At Smart Care Polyclinic in Deira, a GP runs those reviews for diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, asthma, thyroid disease and other conditions, with bloods on site, and refers to the internal medicine specialist where the picture is complex.
For: diabetes, hypertension, asthma, thyroid, cholesterol and other ongoing conditions
Takes: a 20-30 minute review, usually with bloods
Price: consultation AED 70
What it is
A review has a structure. How you have been; the measurements that matter for the condition — blood pressure, HbA1c, lipids, thyroid function, peak flow, weight; the medicines you actually take and how; side effects and interactions; the complications the condition can cause, checked before they cause symptoms; vaccinations due; and what to change. The guidelines that set targets for diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol are the ones the GP works to.12
A medication review is worth having on its own if you take more than four regular medicines, have started something new, are getting side effects, or have prescriptions from several doctors. Duplicates, interactions and medicines that no longer earn their place are common, and stopping is as much a decision as starting.
Continuity is the point. Seeing the same GP, who has your results and your history, is what turns a series of appointments into management. Where a condition is not controlled on standard treatment, or several conditions interact, the GP refers to the internal medicine specialist and continues the routine care.
Diabetes reviews specifically
Every three to six months: HbA1c, blood pressure, weight, and a look at the feet. Yearly: kidney function and urine protein, lipids, an eye examination by referral, and a foot check for sensation and circulation. Medicines are adjusted to the HbA1c target agreed for you, and the review is where a continuous glucose monitor's data is looked at if you use one.
Bringing your records
If your condition was managed elsewhere, bring recent results, a list of medicines and any hospital letters. Insurance reports and prescription renewals are done at the review where appropriate.
The consultation, and what follows from it
GP consultation
Assessment, examination and a plan with every cost stated before anything further is done.
AED 70 was AED 130
Bookthe specialist reviews for complex or uncontrolled conditions
Questions patients ask
Every three to six months for a review with HbA1c, and yearly for the complication checks. More often when treatment is being adjusted.
Yes. Bring your records and medicines to a first review, and the GP continues the plan or adjusts it with you.
When a condition is not controlled on standard treatment, when several conditions interact, or for a full metabolic review. The GP refers, and routine care continues here.
This guide is general information, not advice about you. A GP's assessment depends on your history and examination, which is why the consultation exists.
References
- American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 2. Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025. Diabetes Care. 2025;48(Suppl 1):S27-S49. PMID 39651986. doi:10.2337/dc25-S002The American Diabetes Association standard defining the HbA1c and glucose thresholds used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes.
- Jones DW, Ferdinand KC, et al. (Writing Committee Members). 2025 AHA/ACC/AANP/AAPA/ABC/ACCP/ACPM/AGS/AMA/ASPC/NMA/PCNA/SGIM Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Hypertension. 2025;82(10):e212-e316. PMID 40811516. doi:10.1161/HYP.0000000000000249The current guideline on how blood pressure should be measured and what the readings mean.
Sources are listed for the specific statements they support. They are published research and guidance, not a substitute for a consultation — what applies to you is decided by a doctor who has assessed you.