Diabetes prevention camp for teenage boys begins

Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA), a member of Qatar Foundation, is organising the 10th Diabetes Prevention Camp for 25 overweight teenage boys with a first-degree family history of diabetes.

The ‘Eat Healthy, Move More and Take control!’ camp began yesterday and continue until tomorrow at Education City. It will educate the adolescents about diabetes prevention through positive lifestyle changes.

At present, Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. Type 2 diabetes, many studies have confirmed that can be prevented in many cases by maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active.

Aimed at introducing the young population at risk of diabetes to healthy living, the camp is designed to be an interactive educational experience. Throughout the three days, campers will attend educational sessions on healthy reduced calorie diet aimed at initiating weight loss, counselling sessions to accompany the adolescents in their difficulties in maintaining positive behavioural changes. In addition, the programme consists an active exercise schedule, which includes swimming, volleyball, football, bowling and aerobics classes.

Dr Abdullah al-Hamaq, executive director of Qatar Diabetes Association, said: “QDA prevention efforts target those at risk in order to avoid the onset of type 2 diabetes. And our diabetes prevention camps deliver significant returns in quality of life for our youth at high risk of diabetes; I believe it is an investment in the long term.”

“The aim of the camp is to empower and equip our youth of tomorrow with the practical tools to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes to live a healthy, happy and productive life,” he added.

All participants were assessed on weight, health and nutrition status prior the camp to get an individual diet plan. A follow-up sheet committing the young at risk to a regular follow up with QDA will be signed at the end of the camp.

QDA is at the forefront of efforts in Qatar and the Middle East to promote the prevention, care and management of diabetes.