* Every 10 seconds, a new diabetic patient is diagnosed in the world.
* Nearly 19,000 every day die due to diabetes and its complications.
* A diabetes related amputation every 30 seconds.

Diabetes is increasing all over the world both in developed as well as developing countries. With November 14 observed as World Diabetes Day, a host of special awareness programmes has been organised in the city that includes rallies and exhibitions about the disease. An India Diabetes Week will also coincide with the World Diabetes Day.

Says Dr Abhay Mutha, president, Diabetes Care and Research Foundation, "The total population of diabetic patients in the world in 2003 was approximately 150-180 million out of which 35-40 million were in India itself and this number is going to almost double in next 15 years, say, 300 million in 2020."

According to the prediction of WDF (World Diabetes Federation) the developing world will have the major impact of diabetes and will harbour almost 220 million patients and developed world will have approximately 75-80 million patients in 2020.

Mutha cited a recent study in five metropolitan cities of the country, which stated that Pune has at least three-four lakh diabetic patients. "Almost 15 per cent of the people in the age group 30 onwards have diabetes," says Mutha pointing out that perhaps this was the reason why Pune has a higher incidence of heart diseases as compared to other cities.

"While the hereditary factors play an important role, change in lifestyle is also one of the leading causes of diabetes. Increasing obesity is a serious problem all over the world and in the country too," says Mutha. There is a serious health challenge of childhood obesity.

It is more dangerous to have a central obesity than a generalised obesity. Central obesity is associated with higher chances of diabetes, increased lipids, heart attacks, hypertension and others. Also, reduced physical activity and wrong food habits lead to problems of increased cholesterol and hypertension.

"Here there is a need for early detection of diabetes with a regular screening of the population at high risk. People at high risk of developing diabetes (Age > 40, obesity, abnormal lipids and strong family history) need special attention and should undergo regular screening for diabetes," says Mutha.

Regular exercise, a strict change in dietary habits (low calorie, low fat, high fibre diet), decrease in stress in routine life, proper sleep, music, games, yoga and other activities are important ways of preventing diabetes in high risk population.

In fact a countrywide diabetes education programme for patients is underway from November 10 – 14 by the Abbott Diabetes Care where the medical fraternity including doctors, hospitals and chemists across cities in the country are involved in creating awareness about diabetes.

Other organisations will also conduct camps in the city on the occasion. The National Acupuncture organisation will conduct a special acupuncture camp for diabetic patients that will be held from November 15 - 17 at Hotel Suyash.