In effort to pass on information about diabetes, its consequences and control through healthy lifestyle, the Diabetes Thyroid Research Institute on Saturday organized a two-day Diabetes Mela 2003 at Basket Ball Complex. Union Minister Satya Narayan Jatia inaugurated the Mela and ADGP N K Tripathi was the special guest on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, diabetologist Dr S M Jain expressed concern over the young age at which diabetes is detected among Indians. "Obesity and diabetes will bankrupt India,'' he quoted, adding the disease is all set to pose economic challenges to the country.

The unique aspect of the Mela was the abundant information on the disease, healthy lifestyle and diet control, displayed in different stalls in the common man's language. The book written by Dr Jain, `Madhumeh - Ek Jeevan Sathi' remained the center of attraction of the programme.

The Yoga Mahavidyalaya had installed a special stall to teach the participants of the Mela several simple yogic techniques useful in keeping the sugar levels under control and stimulating the pancreas.