An Indian salesman living in Dubai has emerged as one of the most inspiring winners at the RAK Diabetes Challenge 2025, showing that disciplined lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce blood sugar levels and reclaim health. The initiative, run by RAK Hospital in partnership with the UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), drew over 5,500 participants across the Emirates this year. Gulf News+2TheBrewNews.com+2
From Sales Desk to Health Milestone
Karthik Anbazhagan, a Dubai-based Indian expat working in sales for an electrical distribution company, clinched the top male physical category prize by reducing his HbA1c — a measure of average blood glucose — from 9.6% to 6.94% over the 12-week challenge. Gulf News+2Khaleej Times+2
Karthik described his journey as a personal turning point: “I realised I couldn’t keep relying on medication,” he told Gulf News, noting that he adopted a high-protein, low-carb diet, exercised regularly, and stayed consistent. Gulf News He added that having real-time feedback from a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) was a game-changer: it helped him understand how his food and routines affected his sugar levels. Khaleej Times His next goal? Taking his HbA1c below 6%. Gulf News
Other Standout Performances
- Second place in the male physical category went to Javadh Husain, another Indian expat in Dubai, who recorded a drop in his HbA1c from 7.34% to 6.17%. Khaleej Times
- Third place was secured by Manjumani Cheruvally Mani, an Indian expat from Ras Al Khaimah, with an improvement from 9.77% to 8.72%. UAE News 24/7
- In the female physical category, Syeda Huma Begum, an Indian resident in Ajman, claimed the top spot by reducing her HbA1c from 7.8% to 6.47%, earning herself AED 5,000. Khaleej Times
Beyond Just a Competition
While winners took home cash prizes (AED 5,000 for first place in the physical categories), the broader ambition of the RAK Diabetes Challenge is more profound — it aims to transform how people think about and manage diabetes. UAE News 24/7
According to RAK Hospital, participants across categories saw an average HbA1c reduction from 7.1% to 6.7% by the end of the challenge, with many shifting from diabetic to pre-diabetic levels. Gulf News Dr. Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director of RAK Hospital, underscored the importance of knowledge, community support, and regular monitoring in driving sustainable change. UAE News 24/7
How the Challenge Worked
- The 12-week programme started on August 21, 2025, and concluded on November 13, right before World Diabetes Day. UAE News 24/7
- Participants could join in either a Physical category (with in-person check-ins) or a Virtual category. Dubai Global News+1
- Rewards included cash prizes, health check vouchers, gym memberships, and wellness-related gifts. UAE News 24/7
A Message of Empowerment
Karthik’s story resonates well beyond the challenge: it’s a reminder that diabetes isn’t just a medical condition to be managed by pills — it’s a lifestyle condition that can be controlled, and in some cases, reversed. His disciplined, informed approach, supported by regular monitoring, helped him take back control of his health.
Dr. Siddiqui echoed that sentiment, saying the RAK Diabetes Challenge is about building a movement, not just hosting a competition: “Health is not a destination, but a daily decision.” UAE News 24/7
