Bangalore Roars For Beat Diabetes Walkathon

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This Saturday witnessed thousands of Bangaloreans walk in support of a global call for action against Diabetes at the Lifestyle presents ‘Beat Diabetes' Walkathon - a Landmark Group Initiative. Now in its third edition, the walkathon has become an iconic annual event to raise awareness about Diabetes drawing participation from all the sections of the society.

Extending their support for this noble cause, prominent citizens such as Dr. M.A. Saleem, IPS, Addl. Commissioner of Police - Traffic, Actress Sanjjanaa, Harshika Poonacha, Priyanka Upendra, Srinagar Kitty and RJ turned actor Vianayak Joshi were also seen joining in the walkathon. The initiative is supported by leading corporate including Johnson and Johnson - Healthcare Partner, Fortis Hospitals - Medical Partner, Britannia Nutrichoice - Nutrition partner, along with Landmark Group companies Lifestyle, Max, Auchan Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Bossini, Splash and Gloria Jean's Coffees.

As early as 6 a.m., people were seen streaming into Kanteerva stadium sporting blue t-shirts with ‘Beat Diabetes' slogans. Many got themselves tested at the free blood glucose screening centers that were set up at the venue. Soon after the flag off, the sea of blue spilled from Kanteerva stadium into Cubbon Park presenting a pretty contrast against the green foliage. The walk culminated with an enthusiastic performance by the leading fusion music band Indian Ocean who recharged the crowd with some foot tapping numbers.

As part of this initiative to drive awareness about Diabetes, free blood glucose screening tests were also conducted across Lifestyle, Max, Auchan, Splash and Bossini stores in the city between November 2nd and 8th, where more than 20,000 people got tested for blood glucose levels.

Alarming Statistics about Diabetes:
Recent figures from International Diabetes Federation (IDF) report indicate that the number of people living with diabetes around the world is expected to rise from 366 million in 2011 to 552 million by 2030, unless swift action is undertaken. This amounts to around three new cases every 10 seconds.
Since a large number of people with diabetes are unaware of their condition, awareness is the first step towards diagnosis.

Landmark Group - ‘Beat Diabetes' initiative
Diabetes is growing at an alarming rate and currently affects over 366 million people worldwide.

Landmark Group adopted the ‘Beat Diabetes' initiative with a focused view to spread awareness on the causes, effects and dangers of the condition. Launched in 2009, the initiative today encompasses seven countries - UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, KSA and India.

As part of the initiative Landmark Group conducts year round activities and these cumulate with the Beat Diabetes Walk organized in November - around World Diabetes Day on 14 November. Last year the Group organized a series of walkathons in 6 countries, which drew the participation of over 35,000 people, and a huge drive to provide free blood glucose tests. The Group has also partnered with several organizations, including the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and local institutions in every country, to spread awareness about diabetes.

In India, over 25,000 people took the test and over 8,000 people participated in the Beat Diabetes Walkathon last year, in its second edition. With an ardent belief that creating awareness is crucial to take control of diabetes the Group continues to undertake various activities year round to "Beat Diabetes".