People participating in the 'Beat Diabetes Walkathon' programme at MIA Park, yesterday. Pic: Kammutty V P
More than 10,000 people showed their support to beat diabetes by taking part in the seventh annual walkathon, held at Museum of Islamic Art Park yesterday.
Families, students and volunteers flocked to the lakeside area of the park to take part in the ‘Beat Diabetes Walkathon,’ organised by Qatar Diabetes Association, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), in collaboration with Landmark Group.
Dr Abdulla Al Hamaq, Executive Director, QDA and Santosh Pai, Chief Operations Officer, Landmark Group Qatar released blue and white balloons — colours symbolic of diabetes awareness — to flag off the walkathon.
“We organise this walkathon to attract people and also to celebrate the World Diabetes Day. The difference between last year’s walkathon and this year it’s the number, there are more people. The location is different to attract more people.
"Next year, the walkathon will be in Qatar Foundation,” Dr Al Hamaq,.
The theme of World Diabetes Day 2016 which is officially commemorated on November 14 is ‘Eyes on Diabetes.’ The year's activities and materials will focus on promoting the importance of screening to ensure early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and treatment to reduce the risk of serious complications.
The free blood sugar screening awareness on healthy lifestyle and was an important part of the walkathon.
Most of the Walkathon participants were keen to have their blood sugar levels tested, and long queues formed around the Blood Glucose Check-Up Tents. Volunteers and healthcare experts were also on hand to give counseling on nutrition, answer questions and generally give advice on how best to maintain a healthy lifestyle and exercise.
“Our aim is to find people with undiagnosed diabetes. Many people didn’t know they were diabetic. If we find someone with high level of glucose we advice to go to the health centre to have more tests just to confirm our diagnosis,” said Dr Al Hamaq.
“Also it is important that they check their eyes before getting a blurred vision so that if there is anything, the ophthalmologist can treat them in early stages. Then the treatment will be successful.”
Dr Hamaq and Pai led the 1 km walk sporting blue 'Beat Diabetes' T-shirts, followed by the Qatar military band, 3500 students from various schools, individuals and representatives from several institutions and healthcare facilities who participated in the walkathon to express solidarity to the cause.
“We want people to make a conscious effort to lead healthier lifestyles and regularly monitor their blood glucose levels, the message should reach to young people especially. These are essential to the long-term health of our family, community and nation,” said Pai.
According to the Ministry Of Public Health the prevalence of diabetes to be 16.7 percent.
