The event was well attended by children with diabetes, aged three to 14, including their families and other supporters. Fun games and art activities were organized by interns from the medical/dental fraternities and volunteers from the Young Initiative Group.

“The World Diabetes Day is celebrated annually. Today we held a special day for children suffering from Type 1 diabetes, which is an insulin dependent disorder,” said professor Hassan Katani from the Faculty of Medicine.

“The main idea for organizing this event was to raise awareness and for the betterment of diabetics and their families.”

Recent statistics suggest that 39.1 percent of children under the age of 14 in Saudi Arabia suffer from diabetes.

“We want diabetics to understand the disease, treat it and maintain optimum levels of blood sugar,” said professor Tariff Zawani.

“Education about this disease, which is known to affect a large number of the population, is the main purpose for hosting this event. Diabetes affects all governments in different ways and especially families financially.”

A health quiz and comedy show attracted the participation of scores of diabetic children and their family members and friends.

Saudi actor Hassan Assiri, who also attended the event, said: “The issue of diabetes is of personal concern to me since my father was a diabetic. The publicity of such events is necessary to gain the general public’s attention to diabetes, which is affecting a large number of people.”

Emirati actress Maryam Hussein said: “I have come from Dubai especially to attend this event. I love children and will always lend my participation to raise awareness about these issues.”

The star appearances were appreciated by all the children and made the event a glitzy affair full of fun.

“This is such a great day for me. I'm here with my mother,” said Omran, a 14-year-old boy suffering from diabetes.

“Being diabetic is not that difficult as long as you are educated about it and know how to cope with it. I am happy to have the support of my parents and brothers.”

Wid Al-Harithy, a board member of the Friends of Diabetics Charity Organization, said: “World Diabetes Day is observed on Nov. 14 globally but the Jeddah event was postponed due to Haj. This is a big event for diabetic children and they looked forward to it, as they feel a bond with one another knowing that others are going through the same.”

“The event has brought smiles to the children's faces,” said Fahd Al-Qahtani, a dental intern at KAU. “Two of my sisters are also diabetic and community participation in such events is very important.”

“Today was the first of three events organized for diabetics. The next event will be held on Dec. 8 at KAU for adult diabetics and on Dec. 9 in N2 mall for the general public,” said Hanan Ahmed Serhan, a dietician at KAU. “Lots of people are affected by diabetes, so education and awareness on how to treat and control it is required.”