With Diabetes becoming increasingly prevalent in the UAE [over 1 million people in the UAE suffer from Diabetes] and across the globe, raising awareness about the early signs and symptoms leading to the condition is a necessary first step towards preventing Diabetes.
In a recent survey commissioned by Landmark Group, family/social support emerged as vital in successfully managing Diabetes – in addition to a thorough understanding of the initial signs and symptoms of the condition to prevent it.
According to the International Diabetes Foundation, by 2020, an estimated 32 per cent of the adult population (age 20-79) in the UAE, including both UAE nationals and expatriates, may have diabetes or prediabetes over the next decade, if current trends continue.
Every effort towards awareness of the condition can play an important role in preventing and managing Diabetes. Since 2009, Landmark Group has been spearheading the Beat Diabetes initiative, to drive awareness on the condition by bringing the community together in support. The Group’s flagship CSR event, the Beat Diabetes Walk, now in its 11th edition, was started with the objective to encourage families to come together and make easy lifestyle changes that can help manage and prevent Diabetes.
Thousands of free blood glucose tests are conducted at the Walk each year, in partnership with the Dubai Health Authority and Emirates Diabetes Society.
The Group has also pioneered diabetes research in the region by raising funds through the Walk and through their retail network for Al Jalila Foundation to conduct research studies on Diabetes. Since 2014, the Group’s contribution has led to 15 in-depth studies on diabetes in the region.
Results from the recent survey conducted in the UAE indicated that family and community support, awareness of Diabetes symptoms, regular blood testing and improved awareness on the condition as such play the most important role in diabetes prevention and management.
On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, the Landmark Group announces the survey results.
- Close to 60% of people between the age of 25-34yrs agree that they would struggle to recognise if they were suffering from hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Ages between 16 -24 are the least aware of the symptoms of diabetes.
- 77% of respondents emphasized on the need for improved awareness on the condition to ensure effective diagnosis and prevention of any complications.
- 46% of people agree that they lead a sedentary lifestyle and have a poor diet.
- Spot the symptoms and take the test for early detection of Diabetes:
- 57% of the survey respondents that have a family member affected by diabetes, think that feeling tired is the main symptom of diabetes. Identifying the early signs and symptoms of Diabetes is important to reduce the impact of the disease and maintain good health. Some of the most common signs of type 2 diabetes include constant tiredness, blurred vision, frequent urination, slow healing wounds and weight loss.
- Choosing a healthy lifestyle to overcome Diabetes:
- Close to 30% of people with Diabetes who participated in the survey strongly agree that they lead a sedentary lifestyle and have a poor diet. As per the International Diabetes Federation, these are the two major risk factors contributing to the high prevalence of Diabetes in the UAE and wider region. This calls for a change in the lifestyle – one that addresses the lack of exercise and unhealthy diet. Addressing this, 82% of the total respondents agreed that that they believe they can prevent diabetes by leading an active lifestyle and eating healthy.
- Family support critical in managing Diabetes
- Results from the survey also suggested that 55% of adults encourage their family to be healthy by making home-cooked meals. In addition to this, taking part in recreational activities together, going for regular walks, and discussing about the importance of being healthy topped the list of preferred ways to stay healthy. To successfully manage Diabetes, family/social support is imperative in addition to a thorough understanding of the initial signs and symptoms.
Join the Beat Diabetes Walk to raise awareness and funds for diabetes research:
| Event name | Landmark Group’s 11th annual Beat Diabetes Walk 2019 |
| Date | Friday, 15 November 2019 |
| Venue | Area A, Gate 3, Zabeel Park, Dubai |
| Time | 7:00am – Park gates open
8:00am – Walk begins |
| Registration fee | Participants can also register on the day of the event at the venue.
AED20 per adult/AED10 per child (8-15 years). Children below eight can join the walk for free. All funds raised will be donated to Al Jalila Foundation for diabetes research. |
| Gear up | All registered participants will receive ‘walkathon kits’ comprising a t-shirt, cap and walk sticker via courier.
Free blood-glucose testing, workouts, yoga, healthy food, kids zone |
