(MENAFN - Arab News) Novo Nordisk Gulf, along with the Ministry of Health and King Saud Medical City launched "Changing Diabetes Village" on the eve of World Diabetes here recently.
The event was attended by Saudi officials and foreign dignitaries, including Deputy Director General, Adnan Al-Abdulkarim at Riyadh Healthcare, Assistant Director of King Saud Medical City, Khaled Al-Raday, and the Ambassador of Denmark, Christian Knigsfeldt, who was the guest of honor.
The 10,000 Sq ft. village was constructed in the center of Riyadh for the general public, to create awareness about diabetes and to help prevent diabetes and its complications.
F. Chrotorat, NNG general manager said diabetes is a pandemic. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 346 million people worldwide suffer from this disease and this figure is likely to double in the coming years.
He said: "In Saudi Arabia, as I understand, it has spread to up to 18 percent of the adult population, due to rapid and constant socio-economic change, urbanization and changing lifestyle. Today we see more and more obese people who suffer from diabetes and concurrent metabolic disorders."
Most of these cases can be detected early and treated in order to control and avoid later-term complications. Unfortunately, very few people are aware about the causes and effects of diabetes on the individual and society, the official said.
"We are proud to partner with the Ministry of Health and King Saud Medical City to create such an experience for the general public about diabetes and its impact. It gives us satisfaction that we as a company could add few more blue circles of the lives of millions across the globe by creating this diabetes village" Chrotorat observed.
He said they witnessed thousands of people visiting the village and receiving awareness on how to lead a healthy life and ways to avoid diabetes.
Danish Ambassador Christian Knigsfeldt said: I have watched Novo Nordisk and its role in helping people and the community to address the burden of diabetes during the campaign. It gives me satisfaction that this global organization is taking local action along with the government.
"I would like to thank the Ministry and King Saud Medical City, as well as the participating companies, on the success of this event. I hope this will raise awareness and motivate people to change their lifestyle and live a longer and healthier life. If that has to happen, then change has to start now," he added.
