Wasim Akram

Add as a preferred source on Google

Kolkata, Oct 11 (UNI) Pakistani bowling icon Wasim Akram plans to establish his own Diabetes Foundation in a couple of years to fight the dreaded disease that threatens to spread at an alarming rate in the sub-continent.

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.

Wasim Akram was diagnosed with diabetes at the peak of his career but that did not deter him from achieving his professional goals.

Wasim shared with the audience his personal experience and how leading a disciplined life ensured a consistently good performance on the cricket field at the peak of his career.

''The foundation is a long term goal. I want to set it up especially for the poor and needy who can get free treatment,'' Akram said stating he would need the media to support him for his cause.

Speaking on the occasion, Akram said, ''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. This is largely due to changing lifestyles, physical inactivity, urban food habits and a genetic predisposition. There is therefore an urgent need to create awareness about diabetes on these young impressionable minds through events such as this." It may be mentioned that the WHO estimates that about 20 per cent of the world's diabetics are Indians.