Hundreds of people are expected to dress in blue tomorrow and take part in a 3km walk or run to raise awareness about diabetes.

The event will be held at Dohat Arrad, Muharraq, from 4pm under the patronage of Human Rights and Social Development Minister and acting Health Minister, Dr Fatima Al Balooshi; Bahrain Diabetes Society president, Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa; and Muharraq Governor, Salman bin Hindi.

The lighting up of Bahrain World Trade Centre in blue on Tuesday night marked the start of a series of events being held by the Bahrain Diabetes Society.

The building joined a network of global monuments to be lit up in the colour of diabetes on the occasion of World Diabetes Day, a campaign spearheaded by International Diabetes Foundation and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The walkathon and run are open to all ages and a festival will be held at the same venue with stalls, a health exhibition on diabetes and free blood pressure and blood sugar check-ups for participants.

"With this event we want to increase awareness and education about the disease, we must fight against diabetes," said Bahrain Diabetes Society vice-president Dr Mariam Al Hajeri. "We must highlight the dangers of this disease and encourage people to check their blood sugar levels."

Several pharmacies will be available on site to offer guidance about treatment and ways to reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Organisers expect between 500 and 1,000 people to participate in the walk and run, said Dr Al Hajeri. "We have also invited the elderly from several homes in Muharraq, as well as students and sports personalities."

A second walkathon and run will be held next week at Durrat Al Bahrain from 3pm. The event will feature activities for all ages and educational stands and participation is free.

A talk on the topic was given by three young Bahrainis called the Blue Camels, who travelled across India in a rickshaw to raise awareness and meet diabetes specialists and patients.

The talk, held at Al Riwaq Art Space in Adliya, featured a video of collated clips on their two-week adventure, art installations, talks by two diabetes sufferers and advice on how the public can contribute to the cause, either by donating money or learning how to reduce the risk of developing the disease. – TradeArabia News Service