Health companies ‘Decide’ to fight against diabetes

Diabetic patients in the UAE can now become part of an online community dedicated to fighting diabetes through healthy lifestyle habits.

The ‘Decide’ initiative launched on Wednesday promises to offer a new support system for diabetic patients across the country, through its website decidecommunity.com.

The initiative brings together six healthcare companies in the UAE who have raised Dh10 million to form a non-profit organisation aimed at helping diabetic patients.

“The problem is not diagnosis or treating diabetes. It is educating patients and helping them decide to do the right thing and live life to the full with diabetes,” said Jan Felton, Managing Director of Modern Pharmaceutical Company (MPC) during the launch of the initiative.

Providing education, awareness and information for diabetics, the ‘Decide’ initiative is being offered free-of-cost to patients. “We need to make a difference and even a small difference can help motivate someone suffering from diabetes,” added Jan.

Diabetes is among the greatest health threats in the UAE today with more than 18 per cent of the population diagnosed with the condition. Aiming to reach a greater number of people and change how society behaves, the Decide initiative will form a closer association between physicians, nutritionists and patients.

For Dr Abdul Razzaq Ali Al Madani, head of the Emirates Diabetes Society, every step towards fighting diabetes is important as the latest initiative comes as a ‘crucial’ step.

“UAE is in the midst of a diabetes explosion and treating diabetes with regular medication and lifestyle changes can be a daunting task. The need for support and easy access to information is important for any person suffering from the chronic problem,” said Dr Abdul Razzaq.

Recognising the need for better education and greater awareness of the condition, the alliance between healthcare providers could lead to a successful prevention and management of diabetes.

‘Decide’ will be offered free of cost to diabetic patients as they can benefit from welcome packs, events, seminars and workshops which will begin from next month. Registrations are open online on decidecommunity.com.

muaz@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE