The World Health Organisation's Regional Director for South-East Asia, Poonam Khetarpal, announced on the World Diabetes (November 14) day that diabetes is a global epidemic which kills one person every six seconds and over five million every year, the Hindu reports.

The International Diabetes Federation and WHO created the World Diabetes Day in 1991. It is focusing on "Healthy Living and Diabetes" as the theme for 2014 to 2016, and on the importance of prevention in diabetes.

Poonam Khetrapal Singh said,

"The number of people with diabetes is projected to increase alarmingly from 457 million in 2014 to 592 million by 2035 if we do not act now to arrest this trend".

She noted that immediate action needs to be undertaken to control the diabetes epidemic.

"We need to work collaboratively with governments, civil society, private sectors, schools, workplaces, media and other local partners. We all have a role to play to ensure healthier environment for a healthy living. However, the key role is of an individual to make lifelong healthy choices for a healthier future,'' noted a statement issued by WHO- South-East Asia Region.

According to projections by WHO, the number of people with diabetes will increase from 457 million in 2014 to 592 million by 2035.