Residents across the UAE are invited to participate in a diabetes challenge that offers cash prizes totaling AED20,000. The top male and female winners will each receive AED5,000, while the second and third place winners will be awarded AED3,000 and AED2,000, respectively.
This year marks the third edition of the diabetes challenge, organized by RAK Hospital in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP-RAK). The three-month-long contest is free and open to all residents aged 18 and above, focusing on those with an HbA1C level of 5.7 and higher.
Registration is available online at www.rakdiabeteschallenge.com from August 5 to 10. Additionally, walk-in registrations can be completed at RAK Hospital from August 9 to 11, between 9 am and 4:30 pm.
Participants can choose to compete in either physical or virtual categories. Those attending in person will receive free BMI and HbA1C tests at RAK Hospital, while virtual participants must cover their own testing costs at any medical clinic. Weekly health tips and webinars on diabetes management, diet, and exercise will be provided to support participants in making sustainable lifestyle changes.
To qualify for the cash prizes, participants must submit proof of their BMI and HbA1C reports from both the start and end of the challenge, with winners determined by the most significant improvements.
With the UAE ranking 15th globally in diabetes prevalence, this initiative is crucial. “By effectively reducing the burden of diabetes, we not only improve individual health outcomes but also pave the way for a healthier society,” said Dr. Raza Siddiqui, executive director of RAK Hospital. He emphasized the importance of lifestyle changes in managing and potentially reversing diabetes, noting that last year’s challenge saw nearly 100% of participants achieve significant reductions in their HbA1C levels.
The previous edition of the challenge saw the participation of 5,000 residents, underscoring the growing commitment to tackling diabetes through community engagement and education.