Riyadh - Arab Today
Landmark Arabia, claimed as the largest Saudi retail conglomerate, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, is holding day-long Beat Diabetes medical camps at designated malls Kingdomwide.
Visitors to the malls can visit these camps and try the free blood sugar level checking facilities. The camps hold great relevance in the region as diabetes has grown to be one of the greatest healthcare concerns across the world, particularly in the GCC region, where it is said to have reached alarming proportions.
According to the International Diabetes Foundation’s 2015 (IDF) statistics, 35.4 million people live with diabetes in the MENA region.
Free blood glucose testing is taking place at Beat Diabetes medical camps in shopping malls across Riyadh, Qurayat, Jeddah, Dammam and Abha.
The first camp held at the Riyadh Gallery Mall on Nov. 25, witnessed a turnout of 266 people who underwent the test. Participants and shoppers also received information pamphlets created by the Ministry of Health containing valuable tips on leading healthier lifestyles to combat diabetes.
Landmark Group launched the Beat Diabetes initiative in 2009, with a focused view to spread awareness on the prevention and management of diabetes across the GCC and India. 20 percent of the people diagnosed with the condition live in these regions and the number is growing exponentially.
The Beat Diabetes initiative conducts year-round programs, community events and media campaigns to manage and prevent diabetes and reaches over 20 million people annually.
Key yearly activities include Take the Test — free blood glucose testing, Get Active — community-centric fitness events, Eat Healthy — cooking sessions and Super Kidz Program, among others. Since its inception, the initiative has also raised over $1 million for diabetes care and research.
The initiative’s activities culminate in the Beat Diabetes Walk organized across five territories in November — World Diabetes Month.
Source: Arab News