The third edition of Know Diabetes 2010, a major community health initiative, has begun its month-long programme of entertainment, education and health screening activities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The programme commenced on November 1 and will mark the World Diabetes Day on November 14, before concluding on November 30.

Supported by Dubai Healthcare City, the Know Diabetes 2010 has three main components that have been designed to reach as many people as possible across the emirate, with the first being a mall-based program of activities taking place at Dubai Festival City.

The aim of this aspect of the programme is to enlighten families about the diabetes through entertainment and educational activities.

The second takes the form of a corporate wellness drive during which visits will take place at workplaces and institutions around Dubai offering health screening, advice and counselling.

This year, a specially commissioned Know Diabetes vehicle will take the corporate aspect directly to employees – an initiative that has been endorsed by Commercial Bank of Dubai, the main sponsor of Know Diabetes 2010.

The third component of the campaign is the continuous medical education (CME) programme for doctors who will be conducted in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this month end or post-campaign.

“The high incidence of diabetes found in the UAE can have significant repercussions, both at the social level and the economic level, so we are very pleased to support this campaign for the 2nd consecutive year,” said Peter Baltussen, CEO of Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD).

“Diabetes can have serious health ramifications if left unchecked which can have a profound negative impact on the wider economy. Organizations with a strong sense of corporate social responsibility like CBD are committed to both heighten awareness of the condition and to try and affect change to people’s lifestyles to help produce a healthier and ultimately wealthier society,” he added.

“Most people in the UAE are now aware that diabetes is a significant problem for the country because of the important work that the government and health authorities do to inform people here,” said Dr Prem Jagyasi, managing director and CEO of ExHealth.

The World Diabetes Day theme for the period 2009-2013 is diabetes education and prevention, with the campaign slogan for this year being 'Let's take control of diabetes… now.' World Diabetes Day is the primary global focus date for the condition and Know Diabetes 2010 is participating with an extensive program of activities that has been designed for all ages.

On offer at Dubai Festival City will be free nutritional consultation and diet advice from VLCC experts, exercise shows from Fitness First, along with healthy cooking demonstrations from cookery experts.

Younger members of the family will be well catered for with face-painting stations, magic shows, balloon bending and a treasure hunt, with the overall emphasis being on the imparting of knowledge to inculcate good habits.

Prafull Dwivedi, business head, VLCC said: “Diabetes is closely associated with obesity, another global health problem. With obesity growing in several communities at an alarming rate, it is important to highlight the importance of diet and exercise in the prevention and control of the diabetes.”

“This campaign is a major step towards achieving the goal of having a healthy community through awareness and screening events,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service