The Rotary Cycling Rally for Diabetes in Mumbai is an annual event organized by the Rotary Club of Mumbai South of district 3141. The event is organised every year to raise awareness about diabetes and its prevention. The rally, which is open to all ages, is a great opportunity for participants to get some exercise while supporting a good cause. The last event was held in January 2020 and none after that due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The marque event is spearheaded by Prof. Dr. Keiki R. Mehta, Chief Co-ordinator District Avenue Chair Rotary Diabetes Project. The event typically starts early in the morning and the ride is flagged off at 7am, with participants gathering at a fixed location of Kala Ghoda in Fort, Mumbai.
The 5th edition of the Rotary Cycling Rally For Diabetes was held on Sunday 29th January 2023. Participants were given complimentary T-Shirts. Unlike previous editions, this year the colour of the T-Shirt was changed to white which use to be yellow with a Rotary Club logo. Around five hundred participants turned up for the ride in the presence of journalist and media personals.
From the start point, the cyclists set out on a scenic route through the city, passing by some of Mumbai’s famous landmarks and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Along the way, there were several traffic marshals to guide the participants. The 14 Km ride ended with a breakfast at Suryavanshi Kshatriya Hall at Dadar. The annual ritual of giving spot prizes based on a lucky draw took place this year with a Firefox Volante hybrid bicycle as a mega prize.
One of the main goals of the Rotary Cycling Rally for Diabetes is to educate participants about the importance of regular exercise and healthy eating in the prevention and management of diabetes. The event also serves as a platform for participants to connect with others who are living with diabetes and learn about the latest treatments and technologies available to them.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a condition in which the body is unable to produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, or cannot use insulin properly. This leads to high blood sugar levels and can cause serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and blindness. Diabetes is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and it is important to raise awareness about the disease and its impact on individuals and communities.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) “About 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, the majority living in low-and middle-income countries, and 1.5 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes each year. Both the number of cases and the prevalence of diabetes have been steadily increasing over the past few decades.”
Likewise, “In India, there are estimated 77 million people above the age of 18 years are suffering from diabetes (type 2) and nearly 25 million are prediabetics (at a higher risk of developing diabetes in near future). More than 50% of people are unaware of their diabetic status which leads to health complications if not detected and treated early.” says WHO.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for effective diabetes prevention and management strategies around the world. The WHO recommends a comprehensive approach that includes healthy diet, regular physical activity, and healthy body weight, as well as early detection and management of diabetes and its complications. Cycling is one of the effective ways to get some exercise going and stay active.
The Rotary Cycling Rally for Diabetes is a great way for people of all ages and fitness levels to make a difference in the fight against diabetes. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just looking for a fun and healthy way to spend a morning, this event is for you. If you missed the event this year, you could always enrol next year. Registrations open one month in advance and the event typically takes place in the month of January with several announcements of the event details on the social media pages of Rotary Club. Until then, keep cycling.
You can read about the previous editions of Rotary Cycling Rally For Diabetes in the below links –
ROTARY CYCLING RALLY FOR DIABETES – 2020
ROTARY CYCLING RALLY FOR DIABETES – 2018
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Author: Vijay Malhotra, Mumbai
bit disappointed with the arrangements, there no proper guideness through out the route. No proper arrangement for hydration on the route, no medical assistance.
It’s great that so many people participate in this worthwhile event.
It was a fun ride today morning, meeting many cyclists
Well covered Vijay
Thank you Prajesh, it was a pleasure meeting you 😊