Bhagalpur: Lifestyle problems and increased intake of fast food are among the prime reasons for diabetes in the country, doctors said at a two-day conference here.

Nearly 350 doctors from across the country came for the programme organised from Saturday. The Bihar chapter of Clinical Diabetic Society of India held it at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital.

The doctors discussed how daily stress and uncontrolled lifestyle issues were leading to an alarming rise in diabetes cases. They advised controlled diet and disciplined lifestyle to counter it.

Dr Rajshekhar from Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu said hypertension and diabetes were complementary problems. "Hundreds of people die every year for hypertension, high blood pressure and heart related problems, all of which are directly linked to diabetes," he said.

He also pointed out factors that influence the condition. "Diabetes affect the heart, kidneys and other parts of the body silently, so one should be very careful," Rajshekhar added.

Among the doctors present at the conference were R.K. Jha from Indore, K. Mugundhan from Tamil Nadu, and Shaibal Guha from Patna.

Dr A.K. Sinha of Bhagalpur was felicitated with a lifetime achievement award at the conference while Dr Devi Ram from Purnea was elected president of the Bihar chapter.