“I have a plan to set up a foundation for prevention of diabetes next year in both Pakistan and India. I want the help of media for that,” said the swing maestro here Tuesday night.

The former Pakistani all-rounder, who is a victim of the disease, was at a programme called the Accu-Check Inspiration Series ‘06 here.

“Recent studies have indicated that children in urban areas, especially in developing countries, are at a higher risk of developing diabetes when they grow up,” he said.

“This is largely because of changing lifestyles, physical inactivity, urban food habits and genetic predisposition. There is therefore an urgent need to create awareness about diabetes,” he said.

At the programme, Akram felicitated some children who are diabetic but still have made significant accomplishments in their individual capacities in the fields of sports, academics, music and other disciplines.

The man who reinvented left arm swing bowling has been a diabetes patient for the last ten years. But he has shown the world the way to lead a healthy life and is still the highest wicket taker in ODIs.

“Diabetes can be managed by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, dietary control, proper medication and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels. Most importantly follow the advice of your doctor,” was his message during his sojourn to the city as brand ambassador of Accu-Chek.

WHO estimates that about 20 per cent of the world’s diabetics are Indians.

The whole event was part of  “Accu-Check Inspiration Series”, organised by Roche Diagonistic India Pvt. Ltd.