Top tennis player takes time out to visit diabetes centre

30 Dec, 2008

Player in Abu Dhabi for Capitala World Tennis Championship shares insight with local group

December 30 2008; Abu Dhabi, UAE: One of the first players to arrive in Abu Dhabi for the Capitala World Tennis Championship (today) took time out to visit Abu Dhabi’s Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC).

James Blake, ranked number 10 in the world, visited ICLDC in Abu Dhabi to share some insights from his health and fitness regime with doctors, as well as group of patients who live with diabetes.

The estimated prevalence of diabetes in the UAE, according to 2007 world statistics, is 19.5 per cent of its population – the second highest in the world. ICLDC specialises in diabetes treatment, research, training and public health awareness and is equipped to give highest level of patient care, from first diagnosis to the continued management of all complications associated with diabetes.

Blake stressed the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. He said that it is possible to keep Type 2 diabetes at bay by adopting a healthy diet, increasing physical activity and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Speaking from the centre, James Blake commented: “It was great to meet with the guys from the centre and understand more about the challenges that they face every day.

“A professional tennis players’ diet does not eliminate any essential nutrients and combined with a reasonable exercise regime, maintains the body in optimal condition. There are definitely elements of my diet and fitness regime which everyone can incorporate into their daily lives, and I hope that sharing some of my experiences has helped in some small way.”