Dubai: The sixth annual ‘Beat Diabetes’ Walkathon has sent out its last and final call to UAE residents to participate in its annual community event.

More than 16,000 people have already registered for the 3km walk on Friday (December 12) to start from Gate No 3 at Zabeel Park.

Diabetes, an incurable endocrine disorder triggered due to sedentary lifestyle in adults, is on the rise in the Middle East and the UAE and health specialists say education and awareness can play a key role in prevention and management of the disease.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the disease affects more than 36.8 million people in the Mena region, with nearly 46 per cent people in the region living with it undiagnosed.

The UAE ranks fifth in the region, with nearly 19 per cent of the population suffering from diabetes.

Even more alarming is the fact that over 50 per cent of the estimated 363,000 diabetes-related deaths in the Mena region in 2014 will be of individuals under the age of 60.

Globally, 387 million people are diabetic and the numbers are set to double over the next 20 years.

The IDF study further showed more than 79,000 children developed type 1 diabetes and more than 21 million live births were affected during pregnancy worldwide in 2013.

In the Middle East and North Africa, one in 10 adults has diabetes, with more women than men affected by the condition.

This year, the Landmark Group has partnered with Al Jalila Foundation to raise funds to support diabetes research and health care in the UAE.

To meet its objective, a fund-raising drive initiated on November 1 will run until December 12.

Customers who shop at any of Landmark Group’s 500 retail and hospitality outlets will have the option to donate to the cause by adding Dh5 to their total shopping bills.

Meanwhile, a nominal participation fee of Dh20 per adult and Dh10 per head for children between eight and 15 years will be charged when participants register, with proceeds going to Al Jalila Foundation.

With online registrations closed, participants can register on site at the Zabeel Park, Gate 3 between 6am-7am.