DHAKA, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Around 5 million people in Bangladesh are suffering from diabetes, but 75 percent of them are unaware of the disease and out of treatment, experts said here at a press conference Tuesday.

    The number of diabetic patients is increasing with children under 18 afflicting by the disease, experts said.

    The press conference was held by Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (DAB) on the eve of the World Diabetics Day-2007 on Nov.14.

    The physicians urged the people of all walks of life to create mass awareness about the causes of the disease and preventive measures.

    They said the main causes of diabetes include lack of physical labor, uncontrolled diet and weight, obesity, fast food and soft drink and smoking.

    General secretary of DAB Saifuddin said diabetic patients must take preventive measures including regular physical exercise. Otherwise, he warned, kidneys, eyes, heart and legs may be badly affected.