Indian salesman in Dubai wins RAK Diabetes Challenge 2025, bags cash prize

Indian expats took top honours and cash prizes in the RAK Diabetes Challenge 2025 – a 12-week programme aimed at helping UAE residents manage and control diabetes through lifestyle changes.

More than 5,500 participants joined the challenge organised by RAK Hospital in association with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Ras Al Khaimah.
The annual initiative ran from August 21 to November 13, just ahead of World Diabetes Day.

In the physical category (male), India expat Karthik Anbazhagan from Dubai emerged as the top winner pocketing Dh5,000 after reducing his HbA1c (average blood glucose) level from 9.6 to 6.94.

“I realised I couldn’t keep relying on medication,” said Karthik, who works in sales for an electrical distribution company.

“Cutting carbs, eating more protein, and being consistent made all the difference. The challenge gave me the discipline and push I needed and now, I’m proud to say my sugar levels are finally in control. My next goal is to bring my HbA1c below 6.”

Second place went to Indian expat Javadh Husain from Dubai, who improved his HbA1c from 7.34 to 6.17, followed by Manjumani Cheruvally Mani, an Indian expat from Ras Al Khaimah, who brought his levels down from 9.77 to 8.72.

Among the women, Indian expat Syeda Huma Begum from Ajman took the top spot after lowering her HbA1c from 7.8 to 6.47, earning Dh5,000. Sana Abbasi (Pakistan) and Mariam Begum (Bangladesh) placed second and third, respectively.

The virtual category drew participants from across the UAE. Aboobucker Mohammed won the male title with a reduction from 9.4 to 7.03, while Sumi Santhosh achieved one of the most dramatic improvements among women, dropping her level from 10.5 to 5.7.

In the corporate category, Stevin Rock led participation with more than 800 employees.

According to RAK Hospital, participants collectively reduced their average HbA1c from 7.1 to 6.7, shifting many from diabetic to pre-diabetic levels. Nearly 95 per cent began the challenge with elevated readings, while 43 per cent were obese and 57 per cent overweight.

Dr Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director of RAK Hospital, said the results highlight the potential of lifestyle-based interventions.
“Through the RAK Diabetes Challenge, our mission is not merely to treat diabetes but to transform how people think about it. This initiative shows that with the right knowledge and discipline, diabetes can be managed, controlled, and even reversed.”