The event, organised by members of the Alba Healthcare Centre, was held near the entrance to the main gate and targeted both night and day shift employees. It provided Alba with the opportunity to promote the message of occupational health as well as healthy eating habits amongst its employees.
Apart from checking sugar levels, Alba Healthcare Centre personnel advised employees on the recommended daily sugar intake that will help prevent diabetes, which is, 25 gms of sugar or six teaspoons per day for adult women; and 37.5 gms or nine teaspoons per day for adult men.
“It is said that diabetes is a silent killer since many of its signs are not always very obvious or dramatic. However, it is responsible for 4.6 million deaths a year, which is equivalent to one every 7 seconds. As it is characterised by the presence of high levels of sugar in blood, the best possible remedy lies in bringing about changes to one’s lifestyle and eating habits. We felt it was vital to share this information with our employees not only because it was the World Diabetes Day but also to reiterate Aba’s commitment to occupational health and to inculcate healthy habits amongst our employees,” Alba’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Elham Al Eid, said.
World Diabetes Day is held on November 14 every year, and marks the birthday of Frederick Banting who participated in the discovery of insulin in 1922. The date was selected by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organisation.
Diabetes can be prevented by regular exercises such as walking, switching to whole grains, eating more vegetables, getting enough sleep, and in taking measures to quit smoking. It is always advisable to check one’s blood sugar level every 2-3 years.