ABU DHABI // The Imperial College London Diabetes Centre in Abu Dhabi has been bathed in a bright blue light to mark World Diabetes Day. The college will be lit up for 14 days and joins more than 500 landmark buildings worldwide bringing attention to diabetes during the UN-sponsored campaign, including the Empire State Building, the Eiffel Tower and the Bosphorus Bridge. The campaign began on Thursday, the day before World Diabetes Day.
It is the second year that the centre has participated in the Beacon of Hope campaign. Dr Maha Barakat, the medical and research director of the centre, said: "World Diabetes Day has ? achieved astounding results in throwing the spotlight on the diabetes challenge - a challenge that is felt worldwide. And, particularly here in the UAE." More than one in five people in the UAE have diabetes. At the disease's present rate of growth, it would cost Dh10 billion (US$2.7bn) to treat by 2020.
Khaldoon al Mubarak, chairman of the diabetes centre, said the Beacon of Hope would be followed by Walk UAE, the second annual diabetes walkathon, on Nov 28. The centre expects more than 10,000 people to participate in the walk along the Corniche. amcmeans@thenational.ae
