Abu Dhabi readies for the second annual Diabetes walkathon

This is the latest activity in the award winning Diabetes public awareness campaign under the patronage of HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.

As many as 10,000 participants are expected to walk the five kilometre route, according to the event organisers, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC).

"The numbers could easily double from our inaugural walk last year when 5,000 people joined us. We see this as a clear indication of the community uniting to fight of the disease."

said Dr Maha Taysir Barakat, Medical & Research Director and Consultant Endocrinologist, ICLDC.

WALK UAE 2008 is organised by ICLDC, in partnership with the Emirates Foundation and with the exclusive sponsorship of The National Insurance Company - Daman.

Daman's CEO Dr Michael Bitzer said: "The overriding message of WALK UAE to the nation is very simple. We need to make changes to our lifestyles in order to bring about swift and profound changes to the state of our country's health.

"WALK UAE 2008 is a sterling initiative to promote regular walking as a way of helping to prevent several ailments, and more specifically, Diabetes," Dr Bitzer added.

Maytha Al Habsi, Communications Director, Emirates Foundation commented:
"The UAE population requires much more information about Diabetes and its implications on health. The community needs to learn clearly what measures it can take to prevent and manage Diabetes, and related complications, such as cardio-vascular disease."

She added: "Our Takatof volunteers will be on hand at the Walkathon to coordinate walkers and to encourage them along the route."