The UAE’s first diabetes challenge announced on Thursday will see participants win cash prizes of up to Dh5,000 for making lifestyle changes. Launched by RAK Hospital in association with the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the challenge aims to reduce the biomarkers of the disease, especially HbA1c levels and BMI, among diabetics — “thus lessening the risk of associated complications”.
In the 12-week challenge, commencing on September 24 and culminating on December 20, participants will be assessed twice: Once in the beginning and then at the end of three months. They will receive a lifestyle score determined on the basis of their lifestyle habits, including exercise frequency, eating habits, and physical activity levels.
Dr J M Gauer, chief executive officer of the hospital, said: “It is known that diabetes is one the biggest menace faced by society today as a consequence of inappropriate lifestyle practices including sedentary habits, lack of physical activity, a diet heavy in processed and junk food etc. Moreover, diabetes is a major risk factor for premature death and serious complications including heart attack, stroke, blindness, amputation and kidney failure. However, the complications can be prevented or delayed by making lifestyle changes and this is what we would like people to understand and learn by becoming part of this challenge.”
Published: Thu 15 Sep 2022 | khaleejtimes.com
