Man, 58, cuts blood sugar by half in 12 weeks to win RAK Diabetes Challenge

Bahawooddin Saiyed loses 11kg to scoop overall and men's prize, while Saira Malik claims victory in women's category

Bahawooddin Saiyed gets his award from Dr Raza Siddiqui, executive director of RAK Hospital. Photo: RAK Diabetes Challenge 2022

A British man has scooped Dh5,000 for winning the RAK Diabetes Challenge.

Bahawooddin Saiyed, 58, a teacher who lives in Sharjah, lost 11kg and cut his blood sugar level by 50 per cent to be declared overall winner, while also claiming top spot in the male category, it was announced on Tuesday.

Saira Malik, 35, from Pakistan, also took home Dh5,000 after cutting her blood sugar by 28.73 per cent to win the female category.

The 12-week challenge run by RAK Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Prevention saw 3,000 people take part. Almost all of them managed to lose weight, bring their blood sugar level down and start to live a healthier lifestyle, allowing them to manage diabetes.

Saira Malik came first in the female category of the RAK Diabetes Challenge. Photo: RAK Diabetes Challenge

Cash prizes worth Dh40,000 were up for grabs for the winners in three main groups: physical category (male), physical category (female) and virtual category. There was also a slot for businesses.

The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide. The UAE has one of the world’s highest rates at 18.7 per cent. Doctors said lifestyle changes can prevent the disease.

“Knowing that type 2 diabetes can be reversed and also seeing the effect it has had on certain members of my family I was intent on turning things around,” said Mr Saiyed, who was 120kg before the competition started.

“With the support of my family, I made the necessary dietary changes and most of all reduced my portion sizes, ate my meals at prescribed times, increased vegetable intake, reduced rice, potato and bread intake and didn't eat after 7pm.”

Mr Saiyed said he also did more exercise and was helped by weekly webinars from medics at RAK Hospital. “It is just the start of a journey to achieving a healthier lifestyle,” he said.

Type 2 diabetes is usually linked to poor lifestyle choices such as bad diet and little exercise. Losing weight, eating healthier food and increasing exercise are seen as important in managing the condition.

Throughout the 12-week challenge, participants were assessed on a range of factors such as blood sugar levels attached to haemoglobin (HbA1c).

Haemoglobin carries oxygen around the body and is an important indicator for how well diabetes is controlled.

A normal indicator is below 5.7 per cent, while anything above that could indicate pre-diabetes or full diabetes.

The participants had an average reading of 7.49 before the contest. This was reduced to an average of 5.07, along with an average weight loss of 4kg by the end.

Ms Malik said she has been a diabetic for 10 years and this was the first time her blood sugar levels were in the normal range.

“It is really a big achievement for me,” she said. “I was encouraged to incorporate regular walks into my schedule. I think health-related challenges like these should be held every once in a while to keep us motivated and healthy.”

The winners of the RAK Diabetes Challenge 2022. Photo: RAK Diabetes Challenge 2022

Dr Raza Siddiqui, executive director of RAK Hospital, said the contest, being held for the first time, showed how diabetes can be controlled.

“It clearly establishes that we can win the battle against the global pandemic of diabetes by adopting a continually holistic and preventive lifestyle,” he said.

Prof Adrian Kennedy, chief wellness officer at Arabian Wellness and Lifestyle Management at RAK Hospital, said the contest showed how people can manage the condition.

“If not managed well, diabetes causes a wide range of complications including, and not limited to, coronary artery disease, diabetic retinopathy [vision loss], kidney problems, atherosclerosis [hardening of arteries], diabetic neuropathy [nerve damage], leading to a huge drop in quality of life for patients and their caretakers,” said Mr Kennedy.

“Through RAK Diabetes Challenge 2022, our attempt was to bring a positive change for individuals, communities and society by empowering them with the information and education essential for the superior medical and lifestyle management of diabetes.”

People who have diabetes should eat plenty of fresh vegetables and avoid fried and sugary foods.

Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and helps to manage diabetes because it can lower inflammation and improve blood sugar control. Silvia Razgova / The National

Replacing processed foods with fresh, home-cooked meals brings many health benefits. Antonie Robertson / The National

Berries are beneficial for people with diabetes because they are packed with antioxidants and fibre. iStockphoto

Greek salads made with lettuce, onions, tomatoes and cucumbers are low in calories, high in nutrients and help regulate blood sugar levels.

The good fats in avocados can help you prevent diabetes complications, such as heart attacks and strokes, and help your body to use insulin more effectively.

Citrus fruits can lower blood sugar levels. Pawan Singh / The National

Walnuts can be a good snack for people with type-2 diabetes. They may help to prevent heart disease, control blood sugar levels and aid weight loss.

Winners (Physical Category — Male)

1. Bahawooddin Saiyed

2. Rizwan Rahat

3. Michael Formales Mascarina

Winners (Physical Category — Female)

1. Saira Waseem Malik

2. Lourdes Mapoy Dimaunahan

3. Sapana Joshi

Winners (Virtual Category)

1. Sindu George Bosco

2. Zarina Begum

3. Paramprit Kaur Harkirat Singh

Winners (Corporate Category)

1. Stevin Rock

2. Saqr Port