Landmark Group Hosts Panel Discussion on Driving Diabetes Awareness

Landmark Group, a Dubai-based multinational conglomerate, today hosted a panel discussion ahead of its eighth Beat Diabetes Walk on Friday, 18 November. The discussion on the current lifestyle conditions in the UAE and their impact on a person’s health and well-being took place at Landmark Group Towers.

Panelists included Nisha Jagtiani, Executive Director of Landmark Group, Dr Abdul Razzak Al Madani, President of Emirates Diabetes Society, Sulaiman Baharoun, Director of Fundraising, Al Jalila Foundation, Al Moutaz Bilah Abdulkarim Sharif, Cultural and Sports Specialist, Dubai Sports Council.

Addressing the media, Nisha Jagtiani, Executive Director of Landmark Group, said: “At Landmark Group, we are always looking at ways to create a better life for the community. Diabetes is one of the priority areas of national concern, and we believe that as a leading retailer in the region, we have a contributory role to play in helping to better manage this lifestyle condition. Landmark Group has raised AED 4 million through its stores across the board for diabetes management and contributed a further AED10 million to fund diabetes research.”

Highlighting the community engagement in the Group’s Beat Diabetes initiative, Nisha Jagtiani added: “Through our year-round community outreach programmes and social media activations, we reach out to 12 million people in the region, including five million in the UAE. We have so far engaged with 35,000 people via the walk, and encouraged more than 250,000 people to undergo blood glucose testing for diabetes. In addition, we are partnering with 70 corporates and 50 schools, involving them in spreading the important message of leading a healthy lifestyle.”

Speaking on the increasing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in the country, Dr Abdul Razzak Al Madani, President of Emirates Diabetes Society (EDS) said: “Type 2 diabetes, which is typically a lifestyle related condition, accounts for more than 90% of the total incidence of diabetes. EDS and Landmark Group have both been working separately towards raising awareness in the UAE. I am pleased to share that we are moving forward synergistically in expanding this reach. We need to work hand-in-hand to raise awareness for preventing and controlling diabetes”

Sulaiman Baharoun, Director of Fundraising, Al Jalila Foundation, thanked Landmark Group for its support over the last three years in combating diabetes, and said: “Landmark Group has been a leader in spreading awareness about diabetes in the region, and we are happy to partner with the dynamic group. We have nine ongoing diabetes research projects, and the proceeds from the Beat Diabetes Walk will be invested in diabetes-related research.” 

For his part, Moutaz Bilah Abdulkarim Sharif, Cultural and Sports Specialist, Dubai Sports Council, focused on the role of sports and outdoor games in preventing and controlling diabetes.

He said: “Sports is a unique therapy of sorts that can significantly reduce or manage diabetes. We have developed Dubai Pulse as a strategic plan to ensure sports becomes an integral aspect of life in the UAE. Dubai Pulse has the best physical programme content of its kind in the region. In addition, we have partnered with 10 government entities for the same effort. With the strengthening of its Beat Diabetes campaign, Landmark Group has become one of our key strategic partner in the public sector.”

Following the panel discussion, Dr. Fatheya Al Awadi Consultant Endocrinologist & Head of Endocrine Department Dubai Hospital and Chairperson, Diabetes Combat and Control Committee Dubai Health Authority said: “A lifestyle condition such as diabetes requires the mobilisation of the entire community to help beat it. We are confident that sustained efforts such as the Beat Diabetes walk and related events will go a long way towards encouraging a healthier lifestyle and greater well-being in the community. We are very happy to partner with the initiative. As their key medical partner at the annual walk, we will be offering free-diabetes checkups and information. We look forward to working as a team to spread awareness about the condition in the emirates”

Speaking about the easily implementable steps to a healthy lifestyle, Rob Donker, General Manager at Beyond Wellness and a certified nutritionist, said: “Keep your activity levels up throughout the day and make movement an important part of your daily agenda. Instead of sitting down and having a coffee with a friend, walk around and have that coffee. Or walk alone with some soothing music on. Don’t hand over an iPad to your child - go out with them and play real games instead of encouraging a more virtual existence.”