RAK Diabetes Challenge 2024: Pakistani and Indian nationals take top spots
Taxi drivers dominate male physical category
RAS AL KHAIMAH: RAK Hospital’s flagship community initiative, the RAK Diabetes Challenge 2024, has concluded with extraordinary success on World Diabetes Day, with over 5,000 participants from across the UAE achieving significant health milestones.
This year’s challenge saw an impressive range of participants from different backgrounds and industries, united in their commitment to improving their health and managing diabetes effectively.
The challenge, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) in Ras Al Khaimah, was celebrated with an awards ceremony at RAK Hospital, recognising the dedication of participants in three competitive categories: Physical, Virtual, and Corporate.
A total of Dh20,000 in cash prizes, alongside gift vouchers from sponsors including ADI, RAK Mall, Auto Nation Services, Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island, and Double Tree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, were awarded to top performers.
Khalid Abdulla Mohammed AlShehhi, Director of the Representative Office at MOHAP RAK, attended the ceremony, commending the participants' perseverance and their significant improvements in diabetes management over the past three months.
Transformational Journeys
The Physical Category witnessed some incredible stories of transformation. Among the male winners, three taxi drivers stood out for their remarkable achievements. Alim Ullah Ali Sher, a Pakistani national residing in Ajman, claimed first place and Dh5,000 after lowering his HbA1c from 13.36 to 6.59. Khawar Abrar Abrar Ahmad, also from Pakistan, secured second place, reducing his HbA1c from 13.71 to 7.94 and earning Dh3,000. Muktar Hussaim, a Bangladeshi national, claimed third place, bringing his HbA1c down from 11.38 to 6.96 and winning Dh2,000.
In the female category, Rejeena Saji, an Indian national, topped the rankings with an HbA1c reduction from 11.86 to 8.98, taking home Dh5,000. Susamma Thomas and Rosan Rani secured second and third places, respectively, earning Dh3,000 and Dh2,000.
Corporate and Virtual achievements
In the Corporate Category, Stevin Rock emerged victorious, receiving the Champions Trophy for maximum employee participation. RAK Port was recognised for showing the most significant improvement in diabetes biomarkers.
Meanwhile, in the Virtual Category, winners were awarded generous gift vouchers from event sponsors. The top 10 participants, including names such as Christian Lisay Velasco and Ahmed Sheriff, each received Dh1,500 worth of Swiss Health Check vouchers from RAK Hospital.
Winners List
Physical Category (Male)
- Alim Ullah Ali Sher
- Khawar Abrar Abrar Ahmad
- Muktar Hussaim
Physical Category (Female)
- Rejeena Saji
- Susamma Thomas
- Rosan Rani
Virtual Category (Male)
- Shariff Khadar
- Engoor Sundaradas Anil Kumar
- Joseph McKeever
Virtual Category (Female)
- Renuka Senthikkumar
- Sandhya Akella
- Fatema Hussein Mohamed G Virjee
Corporate Category Winners
- Stevin Rock – Maximum Participation
- RAK Port – Most improved corporate in HbA1C and weight loss
Top 10 Winners
- Christian Lisay Velasco
- Ahmed Sheriff
- Iqbal Khan
- Allah Ditta Allah Bachaya
- Ahamed Fayazudeen Seeni Nina Mohamed
- Muhammad Parvez Ali Qader
- Abdul Rehman Gul Big Gul Baig
- Santhosh Kumar
- Muhammad Yasir
- Paul Seahimey
Health Insights
This year’s challenge revealed noteworthy health statistics among participants. Approximately 89 percent of those enrolled were from Ras Al Khaimah, with the remaining 11 percent coming from other Emirates. Participants hailed from a variety of nationalities, with 43 percent of them being Asian expatriates, 33 percent from Arab countries, and 10 percent Emiratis. The overall health progress was significant, as assessments showed that 97 percent of participants initially had an HbA1c level above 5.7 percent, with the highest recorded at 13.99 percent. Additionally, 41 percent were classified as overweight, and 40 percent as obese.
Health through Education
RAK Hospital’s weekly health tips and expert-led seminars helped participants stay on track with their health journey. These sessions focused on heart health, renal care, eye and foot care, and holistic diabetes management, reinforcing the importance of a well-rounded approach to diabetes care.
The RAK Diabetes Challenge 2024 has continued to build on its legacy, serving as a vital initiative in improving the health of the local community. Dr. Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director of RAK Hospital, remarked: “The RAK Diabetes Challenge has once again highlighted the resilience and determination of our community. Through disciplined lifestyle changes, participants have demonstrated that diabetes can be managed effectively, empowering themselves to take control of their health.”
Looking ahead
The success of this year’s challenge culminates in the final event, the ‘DIA BEAT IT WALK’, scheduled for 8th December at RAK Mall, marking another milestone in RAK Hospital’s mission to promote preventive care and empower the community in managing diabetes.