2 Indian expats from Dubai win Dh5,000 each in diabetes challenge

Karthik Anbazhagan, an Indian national residing in Dubai, has been crowned the top male winner of the annual RAK Diabetes Challenge 2025. The challenge concluded today, Thursday, November 13, 2025, at RAK Hospital.

Karthik was awarded a cash prize of Dh5,000 for achieving a remarkable reduction in his HbA1c levels — from 9.6 to 6.94 during the three-month challenge.

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Reflecting on his journey, Karthik said that consistency was the key to his success. “Earlier, my control was on and off, but this challenge gave me a goal. Once I set that target, I made sure to stay consistent,” he explained.

He described his new lifestyle as “rigorous,” involving a balanced diet, regular exercise, and minimal medication. “For me, knowledge was the most important catalyst,” he added. “Medicine, diet, and lifestyle all matter, but understanding how they work together makes the real difference.”

He credited his family for their strong support throughout the challenge. “My wife helped with my diet plan, and my son motivated me to exercise  even on days I didn’t feel like it,” he said.

Although his goal was not to win, Karthik said he was proud of the progress he made. “My main aim was to stay consistent and maintain healthy habits, not just during the challenge but beyond it.

A major part of his strategy was using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for the first time. “It helped me understand my body’s response to different foods and activities,” he explained. “I’d recommend others to use CGM, it gives you real-time insights into how your glucose behaves.”

Karthik now hopes to maintain his healthy routine for the long term. “This challenge taught me that diabetes can be managed with the right balance of knowledge, lifestyle, and dedication and my next goal is to bring my HbA1c below 6,” he said.,” he said.

Female winner

Syeda Huma Begum, an Indian residing in Ajman, has been named the top female winner of the RAK Diabetes Challenge 2025, achieving a remarkable reduction in her HbA1c levels from 7.8 to 6.47, and earning Dh5,000.

Begum’s journey reflects a truly inspiring transformation. She initially registered in July with an alarming HbA1c of 10.9 and had already lowered it to 8 before officially joining the program. Today, her levels have dropped further to an impressive 6.37, demonstrating her dedication to healthier habits.

Begum, a dedicated teacher, described her experience as transformative. She credited her success to consistency, a balanced lifestyle, and a positive mindset. “I started walking 30 minutes daily, gradually increasing to an hour, took my insulin on time, ate a balanced diet, and ensured 6 to 8 hours of sleep. Most importantly, I kept a positive mindset,” she said.

She also acknowledged her husband’s support, noting that he, too, participated in the challenge and successfully improved his pre-diabetic condition.

Begum reflected on moments of fatigue and low motivation, but drew inspiration from her students, saying, “They were motivating me every day, aware of my condition and encouraging me to keep going.”

Winning the challenge has further fueled her determination to maintain a healthy lifestyle and inspire others, especially women managing busy schedules. “I want to set an example for other ladies. It’s challenging, but we can do it together.

Second prize winner

Sana Abbasi, a Pakistani resident in Dubai, secured second place in the RAK Diabetes Challenge 2025, taking home Dh3,000. Her blood sugar levels improved significantly, dropping from 7.61 at the start of the challenge to 6.96 by the end.

Abbasi’s journey has been long and challenging. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2016 after her second child, she initially relied heavily on medication, which caused significant side effects. Determined to regain control of her health, she adopted a disciplined regimen of home-cooked meals, exercise, proper sleep, hydration, and stress management. Her commitment paid off, allowing her to gradually stop her medication under medical supervision.

“After the challenge, my sugar is 6.9, and I feel very energetic and enthusiastic,” Abbasi shared. She credited her family, particularly her husband, for their unwavering support throughout her journey, helping her stay motivated during difficult moments.

The 12-week programme, which began on August 21 and concluded on November 13, just ahead of World Diabetes Day, drew more than 5,500 participants from across the UAE, including Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates.

Azza Al Ali

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azza@khaleejtimes.com

Azza Al Ali is a reporter from Ras Al Khaimah, dedicated to sharing stories that bring the community’s voices to life. She’s passionate about connecting with people and highlighting what truly matters to them.