Families, students and representatives of various institutions joined around 11,000 people at Aspire Park yesterday for Diabetes Qatar’s annual walkathon, highlighting the importance of prevention, early detection and healthier lifestyles.
Held under the theme "Step towards a healthier life”, the World Diabetes Day celebration was attended by Diabetes Qatar chairman Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Hamad al-Thani and executive director Dr Abdullah al-Hamaq, along with supporters from across the community.
The event was part of Diabetes Qatar’s "Early Intervention to Address Diabetes” campaign, which runs throughout November. The programme featured diabetes risk assessments, health screenings, educational activities, sports and recreational activities, and family entertainment.
In a press statement, Dr al-Hamaq said the strong turnout reflected the community’s interest in learning about diabetes and adopting healthier habits.
"Through this year’s campaign, we are highlighting the importance of early intervention, recognising risk factors and getting screened at the right time. These steps can help prevent type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications,” he said.
He added that the annual walkathon brings people of all ages together to raise awareness, encourage regular physical activity and show support for people living with diabetes and their families.
Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the event, Dr Amal Adam Mustafa, healthcare manager at Diabetes Qatar, stressed the need to strengthen public awareness as diabetes rates continue to rise worldwide.
Dr Mustafa noted that the association was organising educational programmes throughout November in schools and workplaces. These include a forum scheduled for November 16 to discuss the rights of students living with diabetes and ways to support families whose children have the condition. Topics will include psychological support, carbohydrate counting and treatment plans, equipping parents with practical information to manage their children’s daily needs.
Meanwhile, Khulood al-Mulla from Diabetes Qatar’s Public Relations Department said the association would organise Al Bawasil Camp in December, bringing together children living with diabetes from Qatar and other countries.
The week-long residential camp aims to equip children with practical skills to manage their condition independently.
"We teach children how to depend on themselves, how to calculate their insulin and how to manage their food,” she said.
The camp will include overnight accommodation, outdoor trips and recreational activities, alongside a structured programme running from morning until evening.
The walkathon was sponsored by AlRayan Bank, with support from health, sports and community organisations. Dr al-Hamaq thanked the sponsor, participating organisations, partners, volunteers and members of the public for helping make the event possible.
Through its November campaign and year-round educational initiatives, Diabetes Qatar seeks to promote early intervention, encourage timely diagnosis and improve health outcomes for people living with diabetes and those at risk of developing the condition.