While the first few cases of diabetes were recorded in the first century AD, it took until 1922 to formulate a solution (synthetic insulin).
World Diabetes Day (celebrated today) was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organisation to generate awareness of the virulent disease. It marks the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, conceived the idea that led to the discovery of insulin.
World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2007. This year’s theme in the UAE is Diabetes Education and Prevention. GN Focus highlights some of the initiatives:
Disease prevention workshops by Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
Taking a proactive approach to the rising number of cases, DHA hosts disease prevention workshops throughout the year. In fact, from September, the body has started screening thousands of Dubai residents who are high-risk candidates.
Walk for Life campaign
Tomorrow, 17,000 people are expected to take either the three-or five-kilometre route at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit to promote awareness and an active lifestyle. In its seventh year, it is sure to be a walk to remember. To join, visit Diabetesuae.ae.
The Yas Marina circuit also lends itself to other activities on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Visit Diabetesuae.ae for more.
Third regional conference for diabetes and obesity
Tomorrow and the day after, Rashid Centre for Diabetes and Research Auditorium in Ajman plays host to the conference, which aims to improve the clinical management of diabetes and obesity.
Fifth annual Beat Diabetes walkathon
With free breakfast and blood glucose testing, live music, kids’ zone, Zumba and drumming sessions, this walkathon is a great way to start your journey towards health and fitness. It will be held at Zabeel Park in Dubai on November 22.
Full Moon Yoga and Meditation session
Lifestyle Yoga is holding a session of full moon yoga with Sumit Manav at Conrad Dubai on Sunday between 6pm and 7.30pm. Price: Dh75 per person. Call 04 2546645 for details.
