Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC), part of the M42 group, marked Diabetes Awareness Month with several events throughout November, including participation in the Al Dhafra Hospitals Third Health Forum 2024 and hosting its annual Kids Fun Day.
ICLDC also organised a comprehensive schedule of awareness sessions across numerous schools, companies, and government entities within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Activities included blood sugar testing, BMI checks, dietician consultations and other health initiatives.
During the Kids Fun Day, young patients engaged in interactive games and workshops, learning key aspects of diabetes management, including healthy eating habits, exercise routines and the importance of monitoring blood sugar levels.
Diabetes remains a significant health issue in the UAE, with high rates of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The International Diabetes Federation predicts that 1.17 million people in the UAE (aged 20-79) could have diabetes by 2030.
Dr. Mai Aljaber, CEO, at Imperial College London Diabetes Centre said, “Public health is our top priority, and we have already reached almost 7,000 individuals across the UAE through our outreach programme this year, with a goal to surpass 8,000 by the year’s end. Since our inception, our public health campaigns have successfully raised diabetes awareness, reaching an impressive audience of more than 180,000 individuals.”