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Diabetes world tour bus to arrive in UAE on Nov 6

DUBAI — A bus that has travelled five continents to change people’s perception of diabetes will tour the UAE for the first time en route to other Gulf countries.

The Changing Diabetes world tour bus will begin its regional trip starting from the UAE on November 6 covering Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi and carry out free blood screenings for residents over the next two months. An estimated 7,500 early diabetes screening tests are expected to be carried out in three emirates.

“This is the first time that the bus is touring the region and country,” said Dr Mahmood Fikri, Executive Director for Health Policies at the Ministry of Health and Chair of the Higher National Committee for Diabetes.

According to statistics, the UAE is said to have the second highest prevalence of diabetes among the adult population in the world. The tour supported by NovoNordisk begins just before the world marks World Diabetes Day on November 14. Though it was not clear where the bus would be stationed, officials said the most likely spots would be outside malls or schools. Recognisable by its trademark blue colour, the bus will be escorted by a vehicle equipped with medical supplies.

“The main goal of the tour is to raise awareness on diabetes and its protection,” said Dr Fikri. More than 260,000 people have visited the bus and learned about risk factors, symptoms and prevention of diabetes in over 31 countries since its launch in 2006.

Tests for diabetes-related complications such as eye diseases, body mass index and blood pressure will also be carried out. The bus will tour Sharjah from November 6 till 19. Dubai tour will be from November 23 to December 6 and Abu Dhabi from December 20 till January 4.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com