Shalamar Hospital celebrated World Diabetes Day on Tuesday as part of the international campaign to spread awareness about the escalating diabetes epidemic. This year, the campaign’s theme Family & Diabetes aims to promote an active family participation for the management, care, prevention and education of diabetes. The Sakina Begum Institute of Diabetes & Endocrine Research (SIDER) organised an awareness walk, free medical consultation and tests for blood sugar levels and cholesterol for the general public. Guest of honour Omar Saeed, Chief Executive Shalamar Institute of Health Sciences, Brigadier (r) Anis Ahmed, Chief Operating Officer, Brigadier (r) Naseem Ejaz, Principal Shalamar Medical & Dental College, Professor Zahid Bashir, Director SIDER, Director Programme Development & Postgraduate Training SH, Professor Bilal Bin Younas graced the event with their presence. Assistant Professor Medicine, Dr Rozina Arshad and Assistant Professor Endocrinology, Dr Maria Javed led awareness lectures citing the growing number of people affected with diabetes in Pakistan, majority of whom remain undiagnosed and the escalating health threat posed by diabetes. Further, they highlighted the significance of adopting healthy lifestyles to prevent diabetes and importance of family support in helping an individual cope with this ailment. As a parting gift, the department distributed free glucometres to the attendees. Published in Daily Times, December 12th 2018.