Indian participants top RAK Diabetes Challenge 2025, showing that lifestyle change, not just medication, can control diabetes.
RAS AL KHAIMAH: In a powerful show of determination and wellness, Indian nationals emerged as top winners in both male and female physical categories at the RAK Diabetes Challenge 2025. Organised by RAK Hospital in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), the 12-week challenge wrapped up on 13th November, just ahead of World Diabetes Day.
Over 5,500 participants from across the UAE enrolled in this life-changing initiative, with Indian expats making headlines for their remarkable results. Dubai-based Karthik Anbazhagan reduced his HbA1c levels from 9.6 to 6.94 to claim first place and AED 5,000 in the male category. In the female category, Syeda Huma Begum from Ajman topped with a drop from 7.8 to 6.47, also winning AED 5,000.
More than just a health competition, the RAK Diabetes Challenge 2025 proved to be a deeply personal journey for many. Karthik, who works in Sharjah’s electrical sector, attributed his success to a self-curated diet and fitness plan. “Cutting carbs and tracking my glucose daily gave me control over my health,” he shared.
The challenge also featured a virtual category and a corporate category, with companies like Stevin Rock, EFS Dubai, and RAK Ceramics actively participating. The collective effort led to an average reduction in HbA1c levels from 7.1 to 6.7 across participants — with over 95% starting off with elevated levels.
Winners in other categories also demonstrated remarkable improvements. Virtual category top performer Sumi Santhosh lowered her HbA1c from 10.5 to 5.7 — a transformation praised widely at the awards ceremony hosted at RAK Hospital.
Dr. Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director of RAK Hospital, highlighted the initiative’s deeper mission: “This is not about treating diabetes with medicine alone. It’s about changing how people think about their health. These success stories show that change is possible.”
With over AED 20,000 in prizes, health check vouchers, gym memberships, and travel rewards distributed, the RAK Diabetes Challenge has sparked a movement — one that champions wellness, community, and daily discipline.
