More than 7,000 Qatar residents participated in the fifth Beat Diabetes Walkathon yesterday in a bid to raise awareness about the disease that has affected millions of people worldwide. 

The annual event attracted dozens of schools and groups in the country, as well as families and individuals, who joined the 2km walk at Aspire Park. It was organised by Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) and the Landmark Group.

"People should be active, eat a balanced and healthy diet and undergo regular blood screening to beat diabetes," Dr Abdullah al-Hamaq, executive director of QDA, told reporters on the occasion. "Diabetes is on the rise all over the world and countries are struggling to keep pace," he cautioned.

According to a statement from QDA, the latest estimates of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) revealed that 8.3% of adults (382mn people) have diabetes across the world. The number is expected to increase to more than 592mn in less than 25 years.

A sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits and low levels of awareness are noted as key contributors to the rapid incidence of type 2 diabetes in the Middle East and North Africa.

Type 1 diabetes, which affects children and relatively younger people, is considered to be caused by hereditary factors. The condition has been on the rise with more than 79,000 children (0-14 years) across the region believed to be affected by the disease.

"The walk also aims to educate the community on how to prevent diabetes and obesity such as doing regular exercise and living a healthy lifestyle," Dr al-Hamaq said. [Gulf Times]