Dubai, UAE, November 3, 2010: The World Diabetes Day will be supported in the UAE by a major community health initiative which is now in its third consecutive year.
Know Diabetes 2010, a month-long programme of entertainment, education and health screening activities, commenced on 1st November and will mark the World Diabetes Day on November 14. The popular event will conclude on 30th November 2010. Last year’s edition successfully provided 25,000 health checks in UAE.
Supported by Dubai Healthcare City, the Know Diabetes 2010 has three main components that have been designed to reach as many people as possible across the emirate, with the first being a mall-based program of activities taking place at Dubai Festival CityDubai Festival City. The aim of this aspect of the program is to enlighten families about the diabetes through entertainment and educational activities.
The second takes the form of a corporate wellness drive during which visits will take place at workplaces and institutions around Dubai offering health screening, advice and counselling. This year, a specially commissioned Know Diabetes vehicle will take the corporate aspect directly to employees – an initiative that has been endorsed by Commercial Bank of DubaiCommercial Bank of Dubai, the main sponsor of Know Diabetes 2010.
The third component of the campaign is the Continuous Medical Education (CME) programme for doctors who will be conducted in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this month end or post-campaign.
“The high incidence of diabetes found in the UAE can have significant repercussions, both at the social level and the economic level, so we are very pleased to support this campaign for the 2nd consecutive year,” said Mr. Peter Baltussen, CEO of Commercial Bank of DubaiCommercial Bank of Dubai (CBDCBD).
“Diabetes can have serious health ramifications if left unchecked which can have a profound negative impact on the wider economy. Organizations with a strong sense of corporate social responsibility like CBDCBD are committed to both heighten awareness of the condition and to try and affect change to people’s lifestyles to help produce a healthier and ultimately wealthier society,” he added.
“Most people in the UAE are now aware that diabetes is a significant problem for the country because of the important work that the government and health authorities do to inform people here,” said Dr. Prem Jagyasi, Managing Director and CEO of ExHealth.
“However, we should never become complacent about the issue. The UAE still has the second highest incidence of diabetes in the world and this is a statistic we would certainly like to be responsible for changing. Hence it is extremely important that individuals and corporate supports governments initiative to tackle diabetes” he added.
The World Diabetes Day theme for the period 2009-2013 is diabetes education and prevention, with the campaign slogan for this year being ‘Let’s take control of diabetes… now.’ World Diabetes Day is the primary global focus date for the condition and Know Diabetes 2010 is participating with an extensive program of activities that has been designed for all ages.
On offer at Dubai Festival CityDubai Festival City will be free nutritional consultation and diet advice from VLCC experts, exercise shows from Fitness First, along with healthy cooking demonstrations from cookery experts. Younger members of the family will be well catered for with face-painting stations, magic shows, balloon bending and a treasure hunt, with the overall emphasis being on the imparting of knowledge to inculcate good habits.
Mr. Prafull Dwivedi, Business Head, VLCC said: “Diabetes is closely associated with obesity, another global health problem. With obesity growing in several communities at an alarming rate, it is important to highlight the importance of diet and exercise in the prevention and control of the diabetes. This campaign is a major step towards achieving the goal of having a healthy community through awareness and screening events.”
Know Diabetes forms part of a portfolio of annual initiatives organized by ExHealth; an organization which specializes in health promotion campaigns, as well as provides services for the UAE’s healthcare industry. The company’s public awareness initiatives are supported by the health authorities and include the No Tobacco Campaign, Summer Wellness, Ahlan Ramadan and World Heart Day.
To participate in and receive more information on Know Diabetes 2010, please visit www.diabetesevent.com
KEY DIABETES FACTS:
Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism that among other things involves high blood glucose in the blood (bloodstream), caused by insufficient insulin activity in the body.
Diabetes currently affects 246 million people worldwide and is expected to affect 380 million by 2025.
In 2007, the five countries with the largest numbers of people with diabetes are India (40.9 million), China (39.8 million), the United States (19.2 million), Russia (9.6 million) and Germany (7.4 million).
In 2007, the five countries with the highest diabetes prevalence in the adult population are Nauru (30.7%), United Arab Emirates (19.5%), Saudi Arabia (16.7%), Bahrain (15.2%), and Kuwait (14.4%).
At least 50% of all people with diabetes are unaware of their condition. In some countries, this figure may reach 80%.
Up to 80% of type 2 diabetes is preventable by adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity.
-Ends-
For further information and interview requests, please feel free to contact me: Mohammed A M AjmalPR Director+9714-4370170 Extn 211+971-50-4254876Email: [email protected]