People in Qatar have to be more cautious about the adverse effects of diabetes that affects several organs of the body, warned Emily Gaikowski, trial manager of a programme designed for reducing diabetes. She said that it was very important as Type 2 diabetes was one of the top three causes of deaths in Qatar.
Gaikowski said the response to her initiative was very encouraging but the number of nationals who have registered so far was lesser than expected.
“We have got the highest response from people from the Nepalese, Sudanese and Indian communities. We expect that in the coming days, more nationals will join the programme.”
She advised Qatar residents to quit their sedentary lifestyle. “We have observed that in Qatar many people eat food which contains high calories and high sugar content. At the same time they do not exercise. As far as possible, avoid fatty food and those with very high calories. That is the only way to overcome diabetes as well as obesity.”
The trial manager pointed out that she has chalked out a special strategy to reach out to nationals. “We have engaged a few volunteers to attract nationals to the programme. For this, I have selected a few Qatari s1tudents who can contact the citizens and convey the message in the right way.”
She added that at present Qatari students Saada Said, Ahlam al-Sadi, and Sarab Emad are contacting the people directly to highlight the benefits of the course. She also pointed out that more awareness programmes are needed to convey the message.