PESHAWAR: AIMS-Diabetes Hospital &Research Center (DHRC) organized a diabetes support conference on Thursday. The event brought together patients with diabetes, healthcare professionals, researchers, students, pharmaceutical companies and people with an interest in diabetes. The conference was aimed at raising awareness about the organization and creating a poll of volunteers for support and optimal utilization of the available resources by the community. Dr Saeed Ahmad (Director, DHRC) delivered the welcome note, and provided a brief summary on the roles of Diabetes Association KP, Abaseen Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) and DHRC. He also orientated the audience about the core and day to day activities of AIMS. Dr Hamza Ali Khan (Director Medical Services, DHRC) elaborated the current activities and services provided at Diabetes Hospital and emphasized on making Diabetes Hospital a role model institution, which is owned, led and managed by people and families affected by diabetes. Abdur Raees who is declared a diabetes champion by Diabetes UK said, “Asians are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, when compared with people of European ancestry. “In Pakistan almost 7.1 million people are affected by diabetes” he added. He also said that “In Pakistan, every year almost 88000 death are directly attributed to diabetes.” Dr. Zia ul Hasan (Chief Executive, AIMS) in his address announced that an in-patient facility will soon be added at Diabetes Hospital, where patients with serious complication will be treated. He appealed to the audience to join AIMS as volunteers and help build this facility for the benefit of the community.