(Dubai Health & News) People whose lives are affected by diabetes are invited to share their experiences through art as part of a global contest to raise awareness about diabetes. 'Inspired by Diabetes', a collaboration between Eli Lilly and the International Diabetes Federation's Unite for Diabetes initiative, aims to engage people who have diabetes, as well as their family and friends, to express how diabetes has impacted their lives.

The contest is being launched in the UAE with special prizes under the patronage of the National Diabetes Committee, headed by her Excellency Dr. Mariam Matar, Assistant Undersecretary of Preventive Medicine for Public Health and Primary Health Care (PHC) of the Ministry of Health (MOH), and the Emirates Diabetes Society, headed by Dr. Al Madani.

Inspired by Diabetes', is a unique way of drawing attention to the global epidemic that affects nearly 250 million people worldwide. Here in the UAE, understanding diabetes is especially important given that this country has the second highest rate in the world per capita with one out of every five people aged 20 to 79 living with the disease.
 

"We are highly supportive of this initiative and are actively engaged in spreading awareness about it. We will encourage children and adults to participate in the local and global contests of 'Inspired by Diabetes'," says Dr. Matar. "Such initiatives are complementary to all the national programs and efforts that we undertake to fight this disease across the nation."

Dr. Al Madani also encourages people to use their creative expressions to participate in 'Inspired by Diabetes'. "We hope that this initiative will increase the awareness among the population regarding the burden of this deadly disease."

'Inspired by Diabetes' is accepting submissions in 4 categories, poetry, short essay, original painting and photography.

The local judging panel will comprise of representatives from the National Diabetes Committee, the Emirates Diabetes Society, local artists and media. Winners will be announced in the spring of 2008.

The contest is open to people of all ages with diabetes, children, families and friends as well as healthcare professionals. Prizes for the contest will be awarded across all format categories.

"The spirit of the 'Inspired by Diabetes' initiative is to bring families and people with diabetes together to raise awareness of the global burden of this devastating disease," says Fareed Patel, Eli Lilly's Area Manager for the Gulf countries. "This campaign is important because it will help draw particular attention to how diabetes inspires those people affected by it. It will give them the chance to express their feelings through art in its different forms."

Eli Lilly is running 'Inspired by Diabetes' campaign in many countries across the Middle East.