Tests conducted in Dubai as part of a joint campaign by Sanofi-aventis, a leading pharmaceutical company, and UAE Ministry of Health, to mark the World Diabetes Day have brought in worrying results.

Figures released by Sanofi-aventis and the UAE Ministry of health show that out of 400 volunteers screened for diabetes, one in ten had high blood sugar, one in seven had high blood pressure – and every single one was overweight according to their Body Mass Index.

The tests were conducted as part of a campaign designed to raise awareness of diabetes and the importance of a healthy diet and exercise. Four hundred people came forward to be screened at the Mall of the Emirates over a 12 hour period.

All volunteers were potentially at risk from diabetes or heart disease because of their higher than average weight/height ratio, the figures added.

The Sanofi-aventis and UAE Ministry of Health initiative was a show of private and public organizations teaming up to combat health risks across the country.

Dr Mahmoud Fikri, CEO of Health Policies Affairs, and chairman of the National Board of Diabetes Control, described the day as particularly significant in the UAE.

“Around 20 per cent of people in this country are suffering with diabetes and much of that is due to diet and lack of exercise. This programme was designed not just to test people who may already have some early signs of diabetes, but also to offer education, information and advice on how to lower the risks,” he noted.

“These screening days are as much about awareness as they are about detection. It’s a great initiative, but these results are obviously of great concern,” Dr Mahmoud added.

While nearly one in five UAE residents lives with diabetes, that number rises to two in five for the over 60s. In 2008, that figure ranked the UAE second highest in the world per capita.

Sanofi-aventis general manager Jean-Marc Voissier believes that the earlier the education starts, the better. 'We need to involve and educate young people. The screening statistics are extremely worrying and we have to bring an end to this cycle of diabetes.'

'The best way to do that is by showing people that they have a very real chance of suffering from diabetes. For every single person that was tested to be potentially overweight is very worrying. We need education, education and more education,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service