Dubai's RAK Diabetes Center offering free health checks during Ramadan

Reflecting the spirit of the Year of Giving, the camp continues throughout the holy month, providing guidance on health matters related to diabetes, cardio, eye, diet and wellness

June 14, 2017; Dubai, UAE:  Keeping in line with the teachings of Ramadan, and reflecting the spirit of the Year of Giving, Dubai’s RAK Diabetes Center, Jumeirah, is currently running a month-long health camp at its premises. The camp provides visitors with a detailed analysis of their health, advising them on ways to control and manage their ailments while fasting. The health checks, scheduled from 10am to 3pm every day, have also been instrumental for people who are looking to take stock of their health mid-way during Ramadan. Free Checks includes ECG, random blood sugar test, BMI, eye check-up, and complimentary cardiologist and ophthalmologist consultation. 

“With Ramadan crossing the half way mark, the long hours of fasting is beginning to take its toll, particularly during hot summer days,” said Dr Raza Siddiqui, CEO Arabian Healthcare Group and Executive Director of RAK Hospital, “If we are not careful of proper food intake during suhur and iftar, there is a risk of low blood pressure and blood sugar resulting in weakness. People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiac issues have to be more careful, and through this camp, our aim is to guide people on planned diets and specific lifestyle guidelines.”

Dr Mukesh Nathani, Specialist Cardiologist at RAK Diabetes Center, Jumeirah, added: “People also tend to consume more unhealthy food during Ramadan, and combined with the ‘all you can eat’ deals, this can be quite detrimental to cardiac health. Resultantly, we see patients suffering from acidity, indigestion, ulcers, sleep deprivation and a feeling of lethargy. This is where camps such as these send out alarm signals in time, and help convert many people to a healthier lifestyle.”

The free health check will particularly be beneficial for diabetics since loss of vision, or diabetic retinopathy, is one of the most common fallouts of the disease. People working long hours on computers can also avail the opportunity to test their vision. 

“Excessive screen time has an adverse effect on our eyesight, but since it’s gradual, we do not realise it until the vision deteriorates noticeably,” said Dr Mohit Jain, Specialist Ophthalmologist at RAK Diabetes Center, Jumeirah, “By availing this complimentary screening for vision, people can actually take proactive measures. We’ve even had cases of patients who have experienced light flashes and floaters, but could not recognise the severity of the problem and eventually needed surgical intervention.”

Since diabetes is the root cause of a number of health issues, sugar levels in particular need to be observed with a watchful eye. Studies also suggest that diabetic patients have a three-fold greater chance of heart failure than non-diabetics, while the risk of transient ischemic attacks is two to six times higher. The disease also affects other vital organs including nerves, kidney, and feet.

“This necessitates the need for a holistic, 360-degree approach in the management of diabetes which will help diabetics lead a quality Long life and this is what we, at Dubai’s RAK Diabetes Center, aim to provide,” added Dr Raza Siddiqui.

In order to educate the masses, and to create awareness, Dubai’s RAK Diabetes Center, Jumeirah, makes consistent effort to promote screening through several long and short-term programmes. ‘Let’s beat Diabetes’ is one such programme that has proved to be highly successful, where the Center has provided free health screening to hundreds of UAE residents and have managed to drive home the importance of regular check-ups. Besides this, the Center also organises regular free health checks for cardiac care, foot care, neck, back and eye care among others that are spaced throughout the year.