Ras Al Khima: Indian nationals dominated the RAK Diabetes Challenge 2025, winning top male and female titles with cash prizes of AED 5,000 each. The 12-week wellness initiative, organised by RAK Hospital with MOHAP, saw over 5,500 participants across the UAE, highlighting that diabetes control is as much about lifestyle as medication.
In the Physical Category, Dubai resident Karthik Anbazhagan won after cutting his HbA1c from 9.6 to 6.94, followed by Javadh Husain and Manjumani Cheruvally Mani. Karthik said the challenge helped him overhaul his routine through nutrition, exercise, and discipline. Among women, Syeda Huma Begum topped the list with a reduction from 7.8 to 6.47, followed by Sana Abbasi and Mariam Begum.
Virtual Category winners also showed strong progress, with Aboobucker Mohammed and Sumi Santhosh leading male and female results. In the Corporate Category, Stevin Rock saw participation from over 800 employees, while EFS Dubai and RAK Ceramics were also recognised.
On average, participants reduced HbA1c levels from 7.1 to 6.7, moving many from diabetic to controlled ranges. Dr. Raza Siddiqui emphasised that the challenge aims to transform how people view diabetes, showing it can be controlled—or even reversed—with knowledge and consistency.
The award ceremony at RAK Hospital honoured winners across all categories, with over AED 20,000 in prizes, health check vouchers, gym memberships, and travel rewards. The challenge concluded not as just a competition but as a community-driven movement toward long-term wellness.
