Hundreds of Emirati mothers and youngsters to participate in Walk 2012

The Centre coordinated with Abu Dhabi's Family Development Foundation (FDF) and more than 150 mothers along with 350 children from the FDF network are set to attend the event at Yas Marina Circuit on November 16, just two days after World Diabetes Day.

In addition, corporate supporters of the nation's largest public health awareness event have enabled another 3,000 school children to attend by donating entry tickets.

Walk 2012 is part of Walk for Life, a key pillar in ICLDC's campaign, 'Diabetes-Knowledge-Action', under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.

Sheikha Fatima is the Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, as well as the Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.

ICLDC's Medical and Research Director and Consultant Endocrinologist, Dr Maha Taysir Barakat acknowledged the role of the family in encouraging a balanced diet and regular exercise.

"Young ones are impressionable and the children of parents who exercise regularly are more likely to come to enjoy exercise and its health benefits throughout life," she said.

Dr Maha noted that there is a reported rise in the number of cases of type 2 diabetes among children linked to a sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy diet. "It was previously thought that type 1 diabetes only affected children, and type 2 diabetes, adults."

"However, it is now evident that type 2 diabetes is increasing in children with obesity, and type 1 is also known to reveal itself in later life. The good news is that up to 80% of type 2 diabetes may be managed and even prevented by positive lifestyle modifications," she said

Now in its sixth year, Walk 2012 is supported by the National Health Insurance Company - Daman and offers a choice of two walking circuits; a five kilometre route for those who really want to walk for a good 60 minutes or more, and a shorter three kilometre route, which is great for families with small children.

Daman's Chief Executive Officer Dr Michael Bitzer said: "We are delighted to hear that so many mothers and children are joining Walk 2012. This is what the event is all about, getting families together to raise awareness of the benefits of living healthily."

Walk 2012's programme kicks off on November 16 at 3pm with an array of family activities, including fun-filled entertainment geared to encouraging lifestyle changes.

FDF confirmed that four groups of school children are scheduled to each give a special Walk for Life fitness performance to the expected 17,000 participants, up from 4,500 walkers six years ago.