By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: Landmark Group’s flagship community initiative, the ‘Beat Diabetes Walk’ celebrates 10 years. The milestone Walk this year played host to over 18,000 attendees, joining over 100,000 people who have participated in the Beat Diabetes Walk over the last 10 years.
With the prevalence of diabetes in over 15.6 per cent of expatriates and over 1.19 million diabetes cases in the UAE alone, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the Landmark Group’s Beat Diabetes initiative has become a significant highlight in the health and wellness calendar of the country.
The 3-kilometre walk was held at Dubai’s Zabeel Park with the support of Dubai Sports Council, Emirates Diabetes Society (EDS), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Dubai Municipality, Roads & Transport Authority and Dubai Police. All funds raised through registrations will be donated to Al Jalila Foundation, their official charity partner.
Renuka Jagtiani, Chairwoman and CEO of the Landmark Group, said: “The Landmark Group has passionately driven the Beat Diabetes Program over the last decade, to support health and fitness in the region, while influencing diabetes awareness in the region.
With wellness being a priority for all – our government and the community – we are very proud to celebrate the 10th annual Beat Diabetes Walk today. This decade of driving diabetes awareness in the region has been an incredible journey for us. I would like to thank every single partner, sponsor and participant who have contributed and supported this initiative for all these years and have gathered here today to pledge their support towards healthy living.”
In the last ten years, the Beat Diabetes Walk has attracted more than 100,000 participants of diverse nationalities. More than half a million people have been tested for free to check blood glucose levels. The Landmark Group has engaged over 700 school and corporates towards the cause.
Dr. Abdulrazzaq Ali Al Madani, President of the Emirates Diabetes Society and the Chairman of the Gulf Group for Study of Diabetes, said: “According to the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 38.7 million adults aged 20-79 years have been diagnosed and are living with diabetes in the MENA region in 2017. Additionally, about 49.1% of this figure are estimated to have diabetes but are undiagnosed so far.
Over two-thirds (67.3 per cent) of adults with diabetes live in urban areas. As of 2017, nearly 425 million people worldwide were living with diabetes. By 2045, this number is expected to rise to 629 million. In this context, what the Landmark Group has achieved in the last 10 years, by building awareness about diabetes and initiating blood glucose tests through the ‘Beat Diabetes initiative is indeed commendable.”
Dr Fatheya Al Awadi, Chair of DHA Diabetes Committee and Head of Endocrinology Department at Dubai Hospital, said: “It is time to intervene because we owe it to ourselves. Beating diabetes takes only a few, but very important steps. It requires consistency in terms of healthy eating, adequate sleep and regular exercise, which could just be a brisk walk for 30 minutes. All these go hand-in-hand to make for better health.”
At the tenth Beat Diabetes Walk, DHA conducted free blood glucose tests on-ground for all participants. After the walk, participants enjoyed a host of community-focused fitness and sports activities such as Zumba, yoga, dance work outs. A Super Kidz Fun Arena also kept the little but most important members of the community engaged with messages about eating healthy and getting active. From on-the-spot games to colouring counters, creative contests, bouncy castles, face-painting, games – the kids arena had it all.
