"If I can live life the way I want to, why can't you do it," said Akram, a diabetic himself, at a function organised by sanofi-aventis Bangladesh and the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh at a city hotel yesterday.

Akram is the brand ambassador of Accu-chek meter produced by Roche and marketed by sanofi-aventis Bangladesh in this country. Accu-chek, the most reliable home monitoring blood glucose meter, is known for its quick result which is reliable and same as laboratory.

Diabetes is recognised as an emerging silent global epidemic. Worldwide, there are 171 million diabetics and by 2030 the figure is expected to be 366 million.

At present the number of diabetic patients in this country is 4.1 million which is expected to be 11.2 million by 2030.

In his inaugural speech Iftekharul Islam, managing director of sanofi-aventis Bangladesh, said the company is now producing several medicines to treat diabetes including the top selling insulin Lantus.

Prof Dr A K Azad Khan, secretary general of Diabetic Association of Bangladesh, presided over the function.

He said Type 2 diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes is preventable.

He laid emphasis on home monitoring of blood glucose level since it is more patient-compliant and helps them more to keep their diabetes in control.

Prof Dr Hajera Mahtab made a presentation on 'Importance of self-monitoring and good glycaemic control.'

S Johar, regional director of Asia Pacific, Roche India was also present.

In an open discussion with doctors, patients and media, Akram described diabetes as a "touchy subject" in this part of the world where people are even reluctant to disclose that they have diabetes.

"People who are not aware of the disease and hesitant about diabetes often seek for alternative medicine. They have to know that there is no alternative of medicine to treat diabetes and awareness is the key to cope with the concern," he added.

Akram suggested launch of a strong information campaign about symptoms of diabetes and steps needed to keep it in check, particularly among the illiterate and low socio-economic group of population.

He also disclosed his plan to go a long way to inspire people with diabetes and conquer the disease.

He advised medical fraternity to "be positive and tell patients to check blood sugar levels regularly."

Akram, who was diagnosed as a diabetic at the peak of his career but did not allow the condition to affect his performance, said he has "proved that diabetes did not really make people tired."

He also noted that family support is vital to live a normal life for diabetic patients.

Five patients with diabetes, who had accomplished significant achievements despite their physical and metabolic restrictions, were facilitated with free Accu-chek home monitoring glucose meters and strips at the function.