Landmark Arabia holds free blood sugar testing

LANDMARK Arabia, the largest retail conglomerate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Health, is holding a day-long “Beat Diabetes Medical Camps” in the country’s most popular malls. Visitors to the malls can visit these camps and avail of the free blood sugar level checking facilities. The camps hold great relevance in the region as diabetes has grown to be one of the greatest healthcare concerns across the world, particularly in the GCC region, where it has reached alarming proportions. According to International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) statistics of 2015, 35.4 million people live with diabetes in the MENA region, and the number is expected to cross 72 million by 2040. One in 11 adults live with the condition, and half of all cases are undiagnosed. The seventh IDF Atlas also indicates that 17.6 percent of Saudi Arabia’s population has been affected by diabetes, which equates to approximately 3.8 million people living with the condition in the country. Free blood glucose testing is taking place at Beat Diabetes Medical Camps in prominent shopping malls across Riyadh, Qurayat, Jeddah, Dammam, and Abha. The first camp held last Nov. 25 at the Riyadh Gallery Mall witnessed a turnout of 266 people who underwent the test. Participants and shoppers also received information pamphlets created by the Ministry of Health containing valuable tips on leading healthier lifestyles to combat diabetes.