In a proactive approach against diabetes, The Western Region Development Council (WRDC) organized a diabetes awareness seminar in cooperation with Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC), the seminar entitled "Diabetes and Healthy Eating" was held (yesterday, September 3) at the Family Development Foundationbranch in Madinat Zayed in Al Gharbia. 

The seminar offered information about diabetes management and prevention, with a focus on why diet plays an important role. It also served as a resource for those familiar and unfamiliar with the disease. 
Diabetes patients were urged to live a healthy and active lifestyle as obesity and sedentary account for much of the rise of the disease. Mariam Sultan Al Mansoori, Social Development Officer and WRDC CSR Taskforce Member, said: "I am delighted to welcome ICLDC and applaude the joint efforts made to educate the local community and alert them about the risks of diabetes."

She added: "The seminar will pave the way for additional diabetes and health awareness seminars and workshops to be held in the region in the future and the council is planning a long term diabetes awareness campaign in the Western Region."

Rahma Al Ketbi, Nutritionist and Education Manager at Imperial College London Diabetes Centre gave a presentation about the role of nutrition in dealing with and preventing the disease.

Al Ketbi said: "Partnering with the Western Region Development Council provides an excellent opportunity to reach out to the community in the Region through our public health awareness campaign, 'Diabetes-Knowledge-Action' and raise awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing and managing diabetes."

"Recent figures from the International Diabetes Federation suggest that 19.2 per cent of the UAE's adult population is living with diabetes, half of whom are unaware," she indicated.

In general, diabetes occurs when the body does not make or correctly use insulin which is the necessary hormone that converts starches, sugar and other food into energy for the body.

The diabetes campaign comes within the efforts of the Corporate Social Responsibility committee of WRDC to establish a healthy and sustainable environment in Al Gharbia and raise health awareness.