A three-year campaign against diabetes was initiated Wednesday by Dubai, with the aim of cut down the enormous cost of treating diabetes.

The UAE authorities are very well aware that within the next 10 years, the rate of prevalence of diabetes will jump to 35 per cent of the population; if nothing is done right now.

If the list of nations with the highest number of diabetics is viewed then, the UAE stands second next to Nauru - an island nation in Micronesia in the South Pacific.

Qadi Saeed Al Murooshid, director-general of Dubai Health Authority (DHA), explained that they have moved beyond just seminars. However he did note that the campaigns have a little chance to work till the time the individual is told about the dangers of the disease and takes the initiative himself.

As of now, nearly Dh20, 000 per day is spent to cure a patient at any hospital and Dr Ali Al Marzouqi, director of Public Health and Safety Department feels that this figure would be higher for diabetics with complications such as heart problems.

The country has singed an agreement with Sanofi-Aventis, a major pharmaceutical company to instigate an awareness campaign in Dubai.

Within the next 10 years, Sanofi-Aventis general manager Jean-Marc Voissier predicts the total cost of diabetes in the Gulf states to reach Dh18 billion. He feels that I a hectic job for making people change their lifestyle.

The campaign dubbed "Right Beginning" is to initiate in schools, with an an initial sample of five public and five private schools where children between the ages of 8 to 15 years will be screened with the aim of recognizing the risk factors in each child. Those diagnosed with the disease will be educated about the available treatment plans, lifestyle changes as well as provide emotional support.