
27 November 2014
Kuala Lumpur, November 9, 2014 – Thousands of Malaysian families celebrated the World Diabetes Day 2014 with an invigorating morning run and walk at Taman Botani Perdana, Kuala Lumpur.
Celebrated every year on November 14, World Diabetes Day unites millions of people to bring the diabetes epidemic into the spotlight. Concerned over the growing threat of this disease, the Malaysian Endocrine & Metabolic Society (MEMS) and Diabetes Malaysia (DM) have joined forces in organising the third annual World Diabetes Day 2014 Charity Run & Walkathon.
More than 2,500 adults and children participated in the 10km run and 5km walkathon. They were flagged-off by Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Dr. Hj Azman bin Abu Bakar, Senior Deputy Director, Medical Development Division on behalf of Yang Berbahagia Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, the Director General of Health who was unable to attend, after a warm-up session by fitness trainers.
Following this year’s theme to promote “Healthy Breakfast & Diabetes”, the participants were provided with a nutritious breakfast after the run/walk.
According to the president of MEMS, Professor Dr Nor Azmi Kamaruddin, there is evidence that skipping breakfast can raise the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
“This year, we have decided to focus on the importance of having a healthy breakfast in our educational efforts as an effective measure to help prevent diabetes,” he said
Organising chairman, Datuk Dr Mohamed Badrulnizam Long Bidin also hopes that with events such as this, Malaysians will be inspired to lead a healthy lifestyle by being physically and mentally fit.
After the run, the crowd was serenaded to a special edu-taining musical performance, led by the organising chairman himself. There was also a healthy cooking demonstration by Mrs Mary Easaw-John, chief dietitian of the National Heart Institute (IJN). In fact, the breakfast provided to the participants happened to be her healthy wholesome recipe.
The usually peaceful Taman Botani Perdana was abuzz as it transformed into a health carnival that entertained visitors with numerous activities. Children were also kept busy with fun games and ceramic painting.
There were also various booths providing free glucose tests, diabetes risk analysis and diet counselling carried out by healthcare professionals. These booths proved to be popular with the public.
The highlight of the day was the lucky draws that gave away attractive prizes such as admission tickets to Sunway Lagoon, hampers worth RM400 each sponsored by DKSH & BioLife and special draws of glucometers and bicycles to the participants.
This year, the event was sponsored by Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Eli Lilly, Ubisson, Merck, MSD, 100 PLUS, Diethelm Keller & BioLife, Kraft Malaysia/Mondelez, Summit Company, CCM, Abbott Diabetes Care, Roche, Sunway Lagoon & Sunway Lost of Tambun.
Friends and families agreed that it was a perfect way to spend time with each other, while keeping fit and doing their part in promoting awareness on diabetes.
* * * * *
About World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day raises global awareness of diabetes – its escalating rates around the world and how to prevent the illness in most cases. Started by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and World Health Organisation (WHO), the Day is celebrated on November 14 to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, was instrumental in the discovery of insulin in 1922, a life-saving treatment for diabetes patients.
“Healthy Living and Diabetes” is the World Diabetes Day theme from 2014 to 2016. The 2014 activities and materials focus on the importance of starting the day with a healthy breakfast to help prevent diabetes. It is with hope that the efforts will strengthen recognition among the public that diabetes is a global health threat with serious and far-reaching consequences that affect us all.
WHO estimates that more than 366 million people worldwide have diabetes. This number is likely to more than double by 2030 without intervention. Almost 80% of diabetes deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
Issued by the Malaysian Endocrine and Metabolic Society and Diabetes Malaysia.
To view pictures and videos from the World Diabetes Day 2014, please click here to visit the Facebook page.
Please download the News Release below…
WDD News Release.pdf (English – pdf – 101 Kb) |