Hundreds of residents screened for diabetes

Dubai, Sharjah & Ras Al Khaimah: Several activities were held at schools, hospitals and public venues across the UAE to mark World Diabetes Day on November 14.

The activities were aimed at screening hundreds of residents and raising awareness about the disease.

The Zulekha Hospital administered free diabetes check-ups to more than 400 residents at its Dubai and Sharjah branches.

Specialists from the hospital told Gulf News that, along with screening, educating the diabetic population on the complications of the disease could be life-saving.

Dr Sudhanshu Dev Singh said: “A person with diabetes is susceptible to complications like stroke, nerve damage, kidney disease, and cardiovascular diseases.”

Nutritionist Nafeesa Ahmad added: “A healthy lifestyle defined by balanced meals and sufficient exercise can help a person with or without diabetes lead a productive life.”

Diabetes awareness activities were rolled out at schools as well. Given that childhood obesity is on the rise — with a third of children either obese or overweight leading to diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, early education towards a healthy lifestyle is integral.

A Diabetes Walkathon at the Global Indian International School, Dubai, in collaboration with pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk Pharma Gulf, was attended by 1,500 students (KG 1 to Grade 12), parents and faculty.

The spokesperson and chairman of Ambassador Education, Hukumat Kalwani, told Gulf News that instilling the right education and attitude towards a healthy lifestyle in children during their formative years would influence their choices in adulthood.

Julphar, a pharmaceutical company in Ras Al Khaimah, held a number of internal and external events across the region. The internal events included a company walkathon with blood glucose screening and a presentation on diabetes prevention. The organisation also hosted activities in Lebanon, Algeria, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, several medical centres offered screenings and educational seminars.

The Boston Diabetes and Endocrine Centre in Dubai aimed to encourage early diagnosis and management. Speaking to Gulf News, Dr Ghada Aoun, medical director and specialist endocrinologist at the Centre said, “Many diabetic patients do not do enough to manage their condition once diagnosed. They need to know that ignoring medical advice can be fatal.” A day-long diabetes camp also took place at Medcare Hospital, Dubai.