Diabetes in the spotlight

In conjunction with World Diabetes Day, which falls on Nov 14 each year, over a thousand participants took part in the recent Putrajaya Global Diabetes Walk 2011.

It was a 5km walkathon to raise awareness on the increasing number of diabetes sufferers in Malaysia.

Themed Understand Diabetes and Take Control, the event was organised by Putrajaya Hospital, Perbadanan Putrajaya and Novo Nordisk Pharma Sdn Bhd for the third time and took place at the Putrajaya Wetlands.

After a fun aerobics warm-up session, the morning walk was flagged off by Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman.

He later spoke about the worrying trend of diabetes in Malaysia, including amongst the young.
Sea of blue: Participants were flagged off by Dr Hasan.

“The burden of diabetes in Malaysia is increasing steadily. Prevention is better than cure and I urge everyone maintain a healthy diet and an active lifestyle,” said Dr Hasan.

Apart from that, he urged all Malaysians above the age of 30 to do NCD risk factor screenings each year, and if they are predisposed to diabetes, they should start doing screenings at an earlier age.

In Malaysia, 1.8 million people were diagnosed with diabetes in 2010, a significant increase from 1.4 million in 2006.

“With the risk of diabetes increasing among Malaysians, Putrajaya Hospital sees World Diabetes Day as an opportunity to increase awareness and educate the public on the importance of maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle. This is just one of the many ways that Malaysians can take the initiative to keep this disease at bay,” said Putrajaya Hospital consultant endocrinologist Dr Zanariah Hussein.

Winners of each of the categories received prizes such as mountain bikes and iPod nanos while lucky draw winners walked away with hampers, sporting goods vouchers and the grand prize of a hotel stay in Bali.

The first 1,000 registered participants also received a goodie bag and a specially-designed T-shirt.

Co-sponsors of the event included 100 Plus, Health Today, MBG Fruits, Nestle and Gardenia.

For more information on the Walk as well as pictures from the event, visit www.facebook.com/putrajayadiabeteswalk

Source: The Star Online