Thousands walk for a life without diabetes

Abu Dhabi: Nearly 15,000 people from across the country yesterday took part in a walkathon to show solidarity in the fight against diabetes.

Walk for Life was organised by the Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICDLC) on the Yas Marina Circuit, and attracted people of all ages.

"The Walk was aimed at stressing the role of physical activity as the real weapon against the lifestyle disease," said Carol Sansour, public health awareness campaign manager at ICDLC. "We all know that a minimum of 30 minutes of brisk walking every day and a balanced diet are the only real measures to protect oneself from diabetes. But this cannot be stressed often enough, which is why the walkathon is organised annually," Sansour said.

The 5km walk, which was held for the fifth year, began at 5pm yesterday, and leaflets were distributed to promote awareness about the risks of diabetes. Diabetes affects 19.2 per cent of the UAE population, the second highest prevalence in the world.

Proper example

Mona Dinar Mubarak, 45, an Emirati from Sharjah, said: "As a mother to seven young children, I try to set a proper example by living a healthy lifestyle. So, after having participated in a similar walk on Thursday, I headed to this event in Abu Dhabi."

Siham Kabbour, another participant, said she always tries to get her three children to take up sports at school, including swimming. "This walk is. therefore, an enjoyable way for our family to spend the weekend," said Siham, 34, a mother of three from Syria.