Diabetes comes under spotlight at Diabetes 2007 Conference in Abu Dhabi

Meanwhile, a pre-conference 'Friday Family Forum' especially for public attendance was held.

Both events are hosted by the Abu Dhabi Health Authority, along with the Cleveland Clinic and the Imperial College of London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC), at Abu Dhabi's Beach Rotana Hotel and form part of the recently launched public health awareness campaign, 'DIABETES. KNOWLEDGE. ACTION.'

Nation-wide support for the drive against diabetes has been secured across the emirates, including from the UAE's 18th Gulf Cup football stars who pledged to play a continued role in raising awareness. Members of the team will be at the 'Friday Family Forum' in advance of the Diabetes 2007 conference.

The Diabetes 2007 'kick off' session by the football stars is just one of many public awareness activities designed to help spread knowledge on diabetes and encourage the public to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle.

It is estimated this year that 246 million people worldwide have diabetes. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates ranks number two worldwide with a 19.5 per cent prevalence rate second only to the pacific island of Nauru.

However, research confirms that by maintaining a healthy lifestyle not only can (type 2) diabetes be managed, but it is possible to prevent it.