Indian Nationals Emerge Victorious in RAK Diabetes Challenge 2025 —A Journey of Transformation, Not Just Competition

Prizes worth over AED 20,000, alongside health check vouchers, gym memberships, and travel rewards, were distributed.

Ras Al Khaimah, November 13, 2025: Indian nationals stole the spotlight at the RAK Diabetes Challenge 2025, clinching top honours in both the male and female physical categories and walking away with cash prizes worth AED 5,000 each. What began as a 12-week health challenge has evolved into a powerful movement of transformation, hope, and renewed commitment to well-being, proving once again that diabetes management is not just about medication, but about mindset and lifestyle change.

Organised by RAK Hospital in association with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Ras Al Khaimah, the 2025 edition marked the 4th year of this pioneering wellness initiative. Over 5,500 participants from across the UAE including Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates joined the 12-week journey that began on August 21 and concluded on November 13, just ahead of World Diabetes Day.

The winners' stories stood as living proof of resilience and transformation.
In the Physical Category, Dubai resident Karthik Anbazhagan (India) took home the top male title and AED 5,000 after reducing his HbA1c levels from 9.6 to 6.94. Following closely was Javadh Husain (India), also from Dubai, who secured second place and AED 3,000 with an improvement from 7.34 to 6.17. Manjumani Cheruvally Mani (India) from Ras Al Khaimah claimed third place and AED 2,000 after bringing his HbA1c down from 9.77 to 8.72.

For Karthik Anbazhagan, the top male winner in the Physical Category, the RAK Diabetes Challenge became more than a competition, it was a personal turning point. Working long hours in sales for an electrical distribution company in Sharjah, Karthik knew his sedentary lifestyle was taking a toll. 'I realized I couldn't keep relying on medication and excuses,' he said. Determined to reverse his diabetic condition, he dived deep into understanding nutrition and metabolism, created his own diet and exercise plan, and started tracking his glucose levels daily. 'Cutting carbs, eating more protein, and being consistent made all the difference. The challenge gave me the discipline and push I needed and now, I'm proud to say my sugar levels are finally in control. My next goal is to bring my HbA1c below 6.'

Among the women, Syeda Huma Begum (India) from Ajman emerged as the top female winner, achieving a remarkable HbA1c reduction from 7.8 to 6.47 and earning AED 5,000. Sana Abbasi (Pakistan) secured second place (AED 3,000) with levels improving from 7.61 to 6.96, while Mariam Begum (Bangladesh) came third (AED 2,000), with an improvement from 6.7 to 6.24.

In the Virtual Category, participants from across the UAE showcased equally inspiring progress. Aboobucker Mohammed topped the male category with a drop in HbA1c from 9.4 to 7.03, followed by Ajikumar Sathyanandan and Manu Ramesh. Among women, Sumi Santhosh recorded one of the most dramatic transformations, lowering her HbA1c from 10.5 to 5.7 — followed by Jaseela Poovan Chalil, who improved from 7.2 to 6.6.

Meanwhile, in the Corporate Category, Stevin Rock led the way with over 800 employees participating and showing substantial improvement in both weight and HbA1c levels. EFS Dubai and RAK Ceramics, with more than 500 participants each, also received certificates of appreciation for their outstanding engagement.

Overall, participants collectively achieved an average HbA1c reduction from 7.1 to 6.7, moving many from diabetic to controlled or pre-diabetic levels. More than 95% of participants began the challenge with elevated HbA1c levels, while 43% were obese and 57% overweight yet, through consistent effort, they turned their numbers and their lives around.

Beyond statistics, the challenge became a deeply personal journey for many. Behind every percentage point and kilo lost were stories of early morning walks, balanced meals, and moments of perseverance.

Dr. Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director of RAK Hospital, praised the participants, saying: 'Diabetes is one of the most pressing health challenges of our time, often leading to heart disease, kidney damage, and other chronic conditions. Through the RAK Diabetes Challenge, our mission is not merely to treat diabetes but to transform how people think about it. This initiative shows that with the right knowledge and discipline, diabetes can be managed, controlled, and even reversed.'

He added, 'At RAK Hospital, we are deeply committed to reducing the burden of chronic disease in the UAE. When people see real stories of transformation, they begin to believe that they too can reclaim their health and that belief is where change truly begins.'

The award ceremony, held at RAK Hospital in the presence of Mr. Khalid Abdulla Mohammed AlShehhi, Director of the Representative Office at MOHAP Ras Al Khaimah, recognised winners across Physical, Virtual, and Corporate categories. Prizes worth over AED 20,000, alongside health check vouchers, gym memberships, and travel rewards, were distributed, with ADI serving as the Gold Sponsor for the 2025 edition.

As the applause faded, one thing was clear the RAK Diabetes Challenge was not just about competition. It was about a community coming together to take charge of its health. For many participants, the end of the challenge marked not a finish line but the beginning of a lifelong journey towards wellness.

Or, as Dr. Siddiqui summed it up, 'This is not the end of a competition, it's the start of a movement. Health is not a destination but a daily decision and those who made that decision are the true champions.'

Winners List - RAK Diabetes Challenge 2025

Physical Category (Male)

1.     Karthik Anbazhagan

2.     Javadh Husain

3.     Manjumani Cheruvally Mani

Physical Category (Female)

1.     Syeda Huma Begum

2.     Sana Abbasi

3.     Mariam Begum

Virtual Category (Male)

1.     Aboobucker Mohammed

2.     Ajikumar Sathyanandan

3.     Manu Ramesh

Virtual Category (Female)

1.     Sumi Santhosh

2.     Jaseela Poovan Chalil

3.     Anitha 

Corporate Category Winners

1.     Stevin Rock - Maximum Participation (800+ employees) and Most Improved Corporate in HbA1c Reduction and Weight Loss

2.     Certificates of Appreciation - EFS Dubai and RAK Ceramics (500+ participants each)

Top 10 Winners

1.     Mohammed Abdul Kashem

2.     Maged Tameem

3.     Aby Plamthoppil Michael

4.     Omnia Saifeldin Alsaid Ebrahim

5.     Shahzad Mehboob Virani

6.     Susan Mascarenhas

7.     Kamrun Nahar

8.     Rida Mohamed

9.     Aneesh Kuncheria

10.  Santhana Muthu Rajendran