Over 300 participants highlight the link between diabetes and eye health
In celebration of World Diabetes Day, Magrabi Health hosted a Diabetes Awareness Race along the Jeddah waterfront, attracting more than 300 participants from across the community. The event, held in collaboration <a href="https://<a href="https://saudi-journal.com/saudi-exim-global-partners-forum-concludes-in-riyadh/”>saudi-journal.com/hrh-the-crown-prince-holds-expanded-meetings-with-u-s-house-leadership-at-the-u-s-capitol-in-washington/”>with the Ministry of Sport and organized by the Jeddah Running Community, combined physical activity with health education to promote healthy lifestyles and highlight the impact of diabetes on vision.
The run brought together healthcare professionals, patients, families, and fitness enthusiasts for a morning of exercise, learning, and solidarity. The initiative underscores Magrabi Health’s commitment to fostering healthier communities through preventive care, public awareness, and access to quality eye care.
Mr
Mutasim Alireza, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Magrabi Health, said: ‘At Magrabi Health, we believe that awareness and prevention begin with the community. This World Diabetes Day, we are proud to stand side by side with our community to move, learn, and take action together. Our aim is to shed light on the importance of regular eye checkups and healthy lifestyle choices in preventing diabetes-related vision loss – one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide.
This initiative reflects Magrabi Health’s long-standing mission to deliver compassionate, high-quality care and echoes the spirit of Saudi Vision 2030 in building healthier, more empowered communities.’
Dr. Walid Al-Turki, Chief of Retina Units at Magrabi Health, highlighted the growing risks of diabetes in Saudi Arabia: ‘The rising prevalence of diabetes increases the likelihood of vision impairment. However, most diabetes-related eye complications are preventable through early detection and advanced diagnostics. At Magrabi Health, we utilize AI-powered diabetic retinopathy screening and advanced imaging systems to detect retinal changes at their earliest stages, often before symptoms appear.’
He emphasized that awareness initiatives like the Diabetes Awareness Run play a key role in encouraging preventive care, education, and regular comprehensive eye examinations, reinforcing Magrabi Health’s decades-long leadership in medical excellence.
Attending dignitaries expressed their encouragement and appreciation, highlighting the Kingdom’s healthcare advancements and expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Sport for supporting community-driven health programs.
The event concluded with a recognition ceremony honoring participants and volunteers. Commemorative medals and giveaways were distributed to all finishers, reflecting a spirit of unity, community care, and shared responsibility.
Through programs like the Diabetes Awareness Run, Magrabi Health continues to integrate eye health into broader public health efforts, supporting global objectives to reduce diabetes-related complications and enhance overall wellbeing across the community.