They also said life style of people have changed due to urbanisation and their physical activities have also decreased that leads to diabetes.

They said lack of awareness and non-treatment of diabetes are leading to blindness and paralysis and causing death to many people.

The discussion was held at Birdem auditorium in the city yesterday to mark the Diabetes Awareness Day with Vice President of Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (DAB) Moyeedul Islam in the chair.

Moyeedul said diabetes is not a disease but it leads to other diseases if not controlled. He suggested all to walk more and laugh more.

DAB Secretary General Prof AK Azad Khan, DAB Member National Council Prof Hajera Mahtab and Director General of Birdem Major General Ziauddin Ahmed also spoke on the discussion.

Fields for playing of children and physical exercises of all are extremely needed, the speakers observed.

Crests have been distributed to 10 diabetic who are living a healthy life by controlling diabetes, though their diabetics were diagnosed years ago.

In observance of Diabetes Awareness Day as well as the 51st anniversary of Diabetic Association of Bangladesh several programmes, including rally, blood donation and free diagnosis of diabetes were held at different parts of the city and a question-answer session on diabetes was held at Birdem auditorium.

A total of 20 crore people across the world have been suffering from diabetes that was only three crore in 1985 and would rise up to 30 crore by 2025 if not prevented.

Compared to the developed countries, diabetes is increasing rapidly in the developing countries, the experts said.

Frequent urinating, excessive thirst, weight loss, feeling of hunger all the time and feeling of weakness are among the preliminary symptoms of diabetes.