Colonel Engineer Khalid M. Bakulka, the Executive Director of Operations in the National Guard Health Affairs- Western Region, launched the Annual Diabetes Awareness Campaign that will last for three days. This event is in correspondence with the World Diabetes Day under the “Diabetes Awareness and Precautions" slogan.
The ceremony began with a recitation from Holy Quran followed by a speech given by Dr. Abdulaziz Al Twaim, the Head of the Organizing Committee. He pointed out that the steady increase in population figures is a main factor that plays a great role in increasing diabetes cases due to the changes in contemporary lifestyles along with lack of exercise, high stress levels and environmental changes regarding food and nutrition.
Diabetes, both types I and II has increased in an alarming way among children and adults and high rates worldwide. Especially in Gulf countries, diabetes has become like a hurricane sweeping through these countries with rates between 14% and 25%. In Saudi Arabia, diabetes cases have increased by 24% among people over 30 years old. In the United States of America, diabetes cases have doubled in the last 10 years.
The Saudi Arabia rally champion Mr. Abdullah Bakhashab gave a speech saying that we have started to notice the increasing number of people with diabetes, which is not related to a specific age group but rather due to genetic reasons, tremendous technological advances we’re witnessing these days, lack of movement, and daily stress factors. He added that exercising helps to improve the condition of the body and has an overall.health value and positive effect. Exercising helps in maintaining an ideal body composition and preventing weight gain and diseases resulting from lack of movement. We all know that people who maintain regular exercise are often not overweight.
Colonel Engineer Khalid M. Bakulka, gave a speech saying that the National Guard Health Affairs has made great steps to serve its humanitarian mission in contributing effectively to provide high levels of health and medical care services with a strong focus on developing and maintaining progress in all areas.
He said everyone knows that education and health education for diabetic people is important and will help in reducing the suffering and chronic complications of these patients and will thus have a role in reducing the heavy expenditures that are spent annually on treating this disease and chronic complications.
In conclusion, Dr. Khalid M. Bakulka thanked Dr. Abdulaziz Al Twaim for his efforts in making this a successful event, Mr. Abdullah Bakhashab for his participation and finally thanking the audience who participated in this event. After that, Dr. Khalid M. Bakulka honored Mr. Mohammad bin Humiad on behalf of the Supply Department for being the best department. He also honored the committee coordinator Mrs. Iman Al-Aqil and Mrs. Etimad Al-Shreef from the organizing committee. Finally, Dr. Khalid M. Bakulka opened the medical exhibition associated with the event which announced the launch of the campaign.