He recalls how their giraffe used to serve as a local landmark for locals — and why they once had to put down 300 venomous cobras
Residents in the UAE have the opportunity to win big at the Diabetes Challenge with cash prizes up to Dh20,000.
Top male and female winners of the challenge will take Dh5,000 each, while second and third prize winners will win Dh3,000 and Dh2,000 each, respectively.
Launched by RAK Hospital in association with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP-RAK), the third edition of RAK Diabetes Challenge is now open for registration.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
The three-month-long contest is free and open to all residents above 18 years. Interested candidates can register at www.rakdiabeteschallenge.com from August 5 to 10. Walk-in registration is also available at the RAK Hospital from August 9 to 11, between 9am and 4.30pm.
The challenge is tailored for individuals with an HbA1C level of 5.7 and above, offering them a unique opportunity to embark on a transformative health journey. Participants can register online for physical and virtual categories.
Participants can undergo BMI and HbA1C tests free of charge at the RAK Hospital facility. Lifestyle evaluation tests are also available online upon registration.
Virtual participants can take their BMI and HbA1C tests at their own cost at any medical clinic that's convenient for them. Lifestyle evaluation tests are also available online upon registration.
All participants will receive weekly health tips and access to weekly webinars focusing on diabetes management, such as maintaining a healthy diet by cutting down on sugar and doing exercise. These resources aim to educate and support participants in making sustainable lifestyle changes.
The participants will need to show proof of BMI and HbA1C reports from the first and final day of the challenge for them to eligible for the cash prizes. Whoever shows the most improvement will win.
With the UAE ranking 15th globally in diabetes prevalence, and approximately 19 per cent of adults classified as diabetic and an additional 15-20 per cent as pre-diabetic, effective diabetes management initiatives are critical.
"Diabetes is a gateway to numerous life-threatening diseases, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and nerve damage. By effectively reducing the burden of diabetes, we not only improve individual health outcomes but also pave the way for a healthier society. This collective effort can significantly decrease healthcare costs and enhance the overall quality of life, fostering a stronger, more resilient nation,” said Dr Raza Siddiqui, executive director of RAK Hospital.
“The importance of adopting critical lifestyle changes, particularly dietary adjustments and regular exercise, in managing and even reversing diabetes was evident through the success of our participants. Nearly 100 per cent of the 5,000 participants who completed the programme last year experienced a significant reduction in their HbA1C levels, moving from an average diabetic status (7.49 per cent) to a non-diabetic state (5.07 per cent)," he added, highlighting that, "with this campaign, we aim to continue empowering individuals by providing essential knowledge and raising awareness about healthy lifestyle practices."
The second edition of the challenge saw 5,000 residents taking part in the challenge.
ALSO READ:
He recalls how their giraffe used to serve as a local landmark for locals — and why they once had to put down 300 venomous cobras
Experts advise coping strategies like acknowledging emotions, seeking support from family, and finding meaningful ways to help
A top official also called on United Nations experts to review the evidence and examine the damage caused by the attack
This time, registrants will be able to win a chance to bring two guests to Dubai with Emirates flights and hotel accommodation
Updated rules have been issued for these commuters as experts call for safer batteries to avoid the risk of spontaneous combustion on trains
Both parties also confirmed their shared commitment to improving cooperation in artificial intelligence, especially after the President's recent historic visit to the US
A second accident was reported along the same stretch near Dubai Parks and Resorts
The Federal Public Prosecution is currently investigating several cases pertaining to cheating the examination system