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Renuka Jagtiani, Director, Landmark Group, said:
"It is great to see that people are enthusiastic about the 'Beat Diabetes' cause. This is a good sign for our fight against diabetes; we urge everyone to come out on 13 November and join the collective action of creating awareness for this condition in the UAE and the world over."
Walkathons and other activities are being organised in more than 160 countries around the world on 14 November to commemorate the birthday of Fredrick Banting, who is credited with the discovery of insulin. The 3.1km walk organised by Landmark Group, in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, is scheduled for Friday, 13 November, commencing at Oasis Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road at 8am.
According to the Ministry of Health, diabetes related conditions accounted for 75% of all deaths in the UAE in 2008 and the treatment takes up over Dhs0.5bn of UAE's healthcare budget. The UAE is known to have the second highest percentage population of diabetes in the world. About 19.5% of the UAE population is suffering from the condition and 50% of the people with Type 2 diabetes don't know they have it.
Diabetes tests will be given free of charge at Oasis Centre on the 13 and 14 of November. The test centre will be operated by medical experts from Rashid Hospital and results will be instantaneous; people with signs of susceptibility to diabetes will be advised on how to seek further medical attention.
"We encourage parents to come with strollers for their children and generally have a great family time together as we join the international community to take a stand against diabetes," concluded Renuka.
Posted by Rima Ali Al Mashni
