Indian Expat Wins RAK Diabetes Challenge 2025 With Remarkable Health Transformation
The RAK Diabetes Challenge 2025 has concluded with inspiring transformations and powerful success stories, as thousands of UAE residents demonstrated how discipline and lifestyle changes can dramatically improve health. Organized by RAK Hospital in association with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), the 12-week programme witnessed exceptional participation and remarkable reductions in blood sugar levels among contestants.
This yearâs challenge, held from August 21 to November 13 ahead of World Diabetes Day, saw more than 5,500 participants commit to guiding their health in a better direction. The event was divided into physical, virtual, and corporate categories, enabling people from all backgrounds to join and benefit.
Indian Expat Wins Top Male Category With Impressive HbA1c Drop
In the male physical category, Indian expat Karthik Anbazhagan, a Dubai-based salesman working in electrical distribution, emerged as the winner. Karthik took home a cash prize of Dh5,000 after reducing his HbA1câa key indicator of long-term blood sugar controlâfrom 9.6 to 6.94.
Reflecting on his journey, Karthik said:
âI realised I couldnât keep relying on medication. Cutting carbs, eating more protein, and maintaining consistency made all the difference. The challenge gave me the push I needed, and now my sugar levels are finally under control. My next milestone is bringing my HbA1c below 6.â
His determination and transformation earned admiration from other participants, reinforcing the message that diabetes can be managed effectively through structured lifestyle adjustments.
Strong Performances From Runners-Up
Second place in the menâs category went to Javadh Husain, another Indian expatriate from Dubai, who brought his HbA1c down from 7.34 to 6.17.
Third place was secured by Manjumani Cheruvally Mani from Ras Al Khaimah, who reduced his levels from 9.77 to 8.72.
All three finalists showcased significant improvement, demonstrating the potential of diet modification, physical activity, and health monitoring.
Ajman Resident Tops Womenâs Category
In the womenâs physical category, Syeda Huma Begum from Ajman clinched the first position after reducing her HbA1c from 7.8 to 6.47, also winning a cash prize of Dh5,000.
Sana Abbasi from Pakistan secured second place, while Mariam Begum from Bangladesh came in third, highlighting the diverse participation across nationalities.
Virtual Category Achievers
The virtual segment of the challenge attracted participants from across the UAE.
Aboobucker Mohammed won the men's virtual championship by reducing his HbA1c from 9.4 to 7.03.
Sumi Santhosh delivered one of the most dramatic improvements in the womenâs category by lowering her HbA1c from 10.5 to 5.7, showcasing the programmeâs wide-reaching impact even outside the physical events.
Corporate Category Sees Massive Participation
The challenge also included a corporate division aimed at encouraging employees to adopt healthier lifestyles. Stevin Rock, a major industrial company, led with more than 800 participating employees, reflecting strong community engagement and awareness.
Collective Health Transformation
Data released by RAK Hospital revealed encouraging overall results. Participants collectively reduced their average HbA1c levels from 7.1 to 6.7, shifting many from diabetic to pre-diabetic ranges.
Nearly 95% of the participants began with elevated blood sugar readings. Additionally, 43% were classified as obese and 57% overweight, reflecting the widespread need for lifestyle-based interventions in the UAE.
RAK Hospital: Lifestyle Changes Can Reverse Diabetes
Dr. Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director of RAK Hospital, praised the participants and emphasized the importance of education and discipline in reversing diabetes.
âOur mission through the RAK Diabetes Challenge is not merely to treat diabetes but to change the mindset around it. With the right knowledge, discipline, and support, diabetes can be managed, controlled, and even reversed,â he said.
He added that the annual challenge provides an opportunity for residents to evaluate their health, learn sustainable habits, and take charge of their long-term wellbeing.
Inspiring a Healthier UAE
The RAK Diabetes Challenge 2025 once again showcased how community initiatives can lead to genuine health transformation. From impressive HbA1c reductions to enhanced awareness of diet and fitness, this yearâs participants demonstrated that every step toward healthier living matters.
With many participants planning to continue their wellness journey, the RAK Diabetes Challenge continues to be a beacon of hope for those fighting diabetesâshowing that change is not only possible but achievable.
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