Landmark Group urges residents to participate in its 3rd annual 'Beat Diabetes' Walkathon 2012

The walkathon is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 17, 2012 and will flag off from the Yacht Club and end at Green Island.

It is held in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Dasman Diabetes Institute.

The Group will also conduct walkathons across other countries including UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and India, during November which is the International Diabetes Awareness Month.

On Saturday, 17 November 2012, approx 6000+ people are expected to take part in this cause to highlight the simple fact that diabetes can be managed and prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Open to all age groups, participation in the walkathon is free of charge and all walkers are given complimentary t-shirts, caps and wristbands.

Free blood glucose test will be conducted from November 1-3rd across all Centrepoint stores in Kuwait and on the day of the walk. The Group will also be distributing awareness pamphlets to educate the public about the condition.

Saibal Basu, Chief Operating Officer, Landmark Group Kuwait, said, "We are pleased to host the walkathon for the third year in a row. The Beat Diabetes initiative aims to create awareness about the causes, effects and dangers of this condition in the countries the Landmark Group has a presence. Over the last 3 years we have received tremendous response from the Kuwait community and we are sure that this support will continue."

Dr. Kazem Behbehani, Director-General of Dasman Diabetes Institute, added, "Dasman Diabetes Institute does not save any effort to promote and shed light on the awareness of diabetes and general health amongst the public. The involvement of the Institute in the 'Beat Diabetes Walkathon' stems from our mission to improve the lifestyle of the population of Kuwait. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise and physical activity such as the upcoming walkathon, is essential in living well with diabetes."

In 2011, the Landmark Group's 'Beat Diabetes' walkathons in six countries attracted over 35,000 people and over 40,000 people were administered free blood glucose test. In Kuwait alone over 5000 people participated in the walk and the number is expected to grow to over 6,000+ this year.

All Centrepoint stores will have free diabetes testing on 1st, 2nd, & 3rd November, from 6.00 pm to 9.30 pm.

Landmark Group - 'Beat Diabetes' initiative
Diabetes is growing at an alarming rate and currently affects over 366 million people worldwide.

Landmark Group adopted the 'Beat Diabetes' initiative with a focused view to spread awareness on the causes, effects and dangers of the condition. Launched in 2009, the initiative today encompasses seven countries - UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, KSA and India.

As part of the initiative Landmark Group conducts year round activities and these cumulate with the Beat Diabetes Walk organized in November - World Diabetes Month. Last year the Group organized a series of walkathons in 6 countries, which drew the participation of over 35,000 people, and a huge drive to provide free blood glucose tests.

The Group has also partnered with several organizations, including the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and local institutions in every country, to spread awareness about diabetes.