DOHA OVER 5,000 residents from all walks of life on Friday participated in the third annual ‘Beat Diabetes Walkathon’ organised by the Landmark Group in association with Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA).
The participants who included schoolchildren, company employees and members of the public embarked on a two-kilometre journey from Corniche’s Oryx to Sheraton Hotel and back, giving the message of exercise and healthy food.
Senior officials of Landmark Group and QDA also participated in the walkathon which was the culmination of a year-long timeline of diabetes awareness drives and activities led by Landmark Group.
Walkathons were additionally held early this month in Kuwait and India. Dubai’s walkathon will be held on November 23.
The occasion also launch of a new Diabetes Mobile Unit aimed at providing services for diabetic patients in remote areas across the country. The unit has three compartments including a retina camera, diabetic foot clinic and blood sugar testing and education unit.
There was free blood sugar testing, including a spectacular Zumba session led by Fitness First. Trainers led a mass warm-up session prior to the walk. The participants wore blue shirts, caps, towels and wristbands that symbolised the cause.
There was also a face painting session for children.
Speaking to Qatar Tribune, QDA Executive Director Dr Abdulla al Hamaq said that the walkathon will help in raising awareness about diabetes in the community.
“Diabetes affects a large number of people in Qatar. It is the need of the hour to increase the level of diabetes awareness if we are to reduce its incidence. Events such as the walkathon and free blood glucose camps are commendable, as they better equip people with relevant information on diabetes and highlight the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices.” He added that the mobile unit will further help in the fight against diabetes. “In the coming days, we will start going to different areas in Qatar,” he added.
In a statement, Landmark Group Qatar Chief Operating Officer Santosh Pai and General Manager Suresh Sarma said, “Now in its third year, the Beat Diabetes initiative has touched the lives of millions of people across seven nations.
“The support offered by residents and institutions to this year’s edition of the walkathon has indeed exceeded that of the previous years. Our mission is to direct this momentum on fostering a better and seamless understanding of the condition and help the community achieve a healthy, active lifestyle.” QDA Programme Manager Sharoud al Jundi Matthis said, “Exercises and healthy food help in controlling and preventing diabetes.” Matthis said that the mobile unit would reach out to people in areas like Al Khor, Al Shamal and Industrial Area.
The walkathon was preceded by a fortnight-long free blood glucose tests for mall visitors in Barwa Plaza Mall and Al Asmakh Mall, in which saw more than 4,000 people getting enrolled.
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