GlobalCapital employees devoted an hour of their day on Monday 11 November to an enjoyable sugar-free bake sale amongst the company's employees to raise awareness about diabetes for World Diabetes Day on November 14th. All proceeds are being donated to 'The Maltese Diabetes Association' with GlobalCapital plc doubling the amount raised from their industrious staff.

With approximately 10 per cent of the Maltese population suffering from diabetes, Malta has the highest incidence in the EU, a fact highlighted during GlobalCapital's sugar-free bake sale. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that diabetes is an emerging global epidemic which can be traced back to rapid increases in overweight, obesity and physical inactivity, hence all of GlobalCapital's business units are involved in major sports sponsorships to help educate clients, staff and the general public on the benefits of healthier, more active lifestyles. Total deaths from diabetes are projected to rise by more than 50 per cent in the next 10 years. The 2004 Eurostat Yearbook revealed that in Malta diabetes fatalities are nearly double the EU average of 13.9 lives per 100,000 people.

For people with diabetes, this is a message about empowerment through education. GlobalCapital CEO Bashar Khatib said that, "We must implement effective strategies and policies for the prevention and management of diabetes at a national level to safeguard the health of Maltese citizens with, and at risk of, diabetes. I hope our bake sale has done more than just raise money for a good cause, I sincerely hope it will help to lend more weight to the need for education and prevention within the local community."

Lack of awareness about diabetes can lead to complications such as blindness, amputation and kidney failure. The International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) recommends a goal of at least 30 minutes of daily exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling or dancing. Regular walking for at least 30 minutes per day, for example, has been shown to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes by 35 to 40 per cent.

Mr Khatib continued, "Type 2 diabetes develops when your body cannot produce enough insulin, or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly. If untreated it can cause very serious health problems, however this can be managed in many cases by maintaining a healthy diet, controlling weight and being physically active. If type 2 diabetes is properly managed , one can live a long, relatively healthy and happy life. We hope that we are able to raise awareness and remind people that making small changes to your lifestyle can help manage your condition.”

 

GlobalCapital Life Insurance Limited is authorised to transact Long Term Insurance Business and is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). GlobalCapital Health Insurance Agency Limited acts as an insurance agent and is regulated by the MFSA. GlobalCapital Financial Management Limited is licensed to provide investment services in Malta by the MFSA. Registered address: GlobalCapital p.l.c., Testaferrata Street, Ta’ Xbiex XBX 1403, Malta.