"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.