Abu Dhabi is gearing up to host the second annual diabetes walkathon, dubbed Walk UAE 2008.

The event will be held on National Day weekend on November 28 at 3pm along the Corniche. This is the latest activity in the award winning diabetes public awareness campaign under the patronage of Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak.

As many as 10,000 participants are expected to walk the five-kilometre route, according to the event organisers Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC).

“The numbers could easily double from our inaugural walk last year when 5,000 people joined us. We see this as a clear indication of the community uniting to fight of the disease,” said medical and research director and consultant endocrinologist, ICLDC, Dr Maha Taysir Barakat.

Walk UAE 2008 is organised by ICLDC, in partnership with the Emirates Foundation and with the exclusive sponsorship of The National Insurance Company – Daman.

“The UAE population requires much more information about Diabetes and its implications on health. The community needs to learn clearly what measures it can take to prevent and manage diabetes, and related complications, such as cardio-vascular disease,” said communications director, Emirates Foundation, Maytha Al Habsi. – TradeArabia News Service