UAE | Health
Football tournament to help fight diabetes
Hundreds of supporters are expected to attend the first community football tournament to be held during Ramadan, named 'I Play Sports', to help raise awareness and fight the spread of diabetes in the UAE.
- By Dina El Shammaa, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:49 September 8, 2008
Abu Dhabi: Hundreds of supporters are expected to attend the first community football tournament to be held during Ramadan, named 'I Play Sports', to help raise awareness and fight the spread of diabetes in the UAE.
According to a report issued by the World Health Organisation, the UAE has the second highest prevalence of diabetes in the world and the figures are expected to double by 2025.
It is estimated that 19.5 per cent of the UAE's population (ages 20 to 79) have diabetes.
Ten corporate teams will be competing in the tournament from September 9 to 14 at the Zayed Sports City.
Studies suggest that 30 minutes of brisk walking per day reduces the chance of developing diabetes by 58 per cent, Dr Maha Taysir Barakat, Consultant Endocrinologist and Medical and Research Director at the Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC), said on Monday.
Hidden fat
"This is the fifth public health campaign we have launched at the ICLDC with the initiative of changing people's lifestyles," said Barakat.
"You can have a slim body but hidden fat around the liver and intestines predisposes a person to diabetes.
"Exercise and dieting are essential, that's our message through this tournament," he said.
Teams will compete for a trophy with prizes also available for the best goal keeper and best scorer. The winner will also partner ICLDC for a year in campaigns targeted against diabetes.
Latest news
- New road eases traffic problems in Dubai
- Abu Dhabi hosts strong man contest
- Farmers to be taught techniques to improve yield
- Keep recycling bins open
- UAE's first home-grown unmanned aerial vehicle
- Telling stories with sand
- President of Wollongong varsity about his plans
- Challenging role in Libya
- Parachuting event promises rich fare
- UAE ministry backs efficacy of Tas'heel system
- UAE students on research trip to Antarctica
- Brothers held in Sharjah for possessing heroin
- Fund drive for displaced Syrians launched
- FNC has kept pace with development — Al Murr
- Reader’s issue resolved
Community Reports
-
Keep recycling bins open
People should be allowed to do their part as the world moves towards a greener future
-
Bridges needed
Al Ittihad Road has no pedestrian facilities as one nears Sharjah
-
Street lights needed
Authorities urged to act with haste before a major accident occurs in Al Nahda, Dubai
-
Motorists ignore stop sign on buses
Overtaking school vehicles can put students' lives at risk
