By having this year's theme on `Diabetes and Lifestyle in the New Millennium', NNEF wanted to make society realise that persons with diabetes can lead a normal life and achieve anything that a person without diabetes can, and therefore a diabetic should not be discriminated.

To support and spread awareness on diabetes, a `Run' was organised in 23 cities across India, including in Bangalore, Calcutta, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Coimbatore and New Delhi. Free blood sugar tests were conducted. Booklets on the disorder were also distributed.

Addressing the people on the occasion in Delhi, Dr S K Minocha, HOD in Internal Medicines at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, said, "Diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions. It is only by promoting awareness through education that this epidemic can be controlled in India." He further added that a change in lifestyle is essential, which includes proper diet and regular exercise routine, for controlling and preventing it to some extent.NNEF was established in 1998 for educating general practitioners, nurses, diabetes educators and para-medical staff associated with diabetes. Apart from organising public awareness programms, NNEF also holds art exhibitions on health issues, and awards research fellowships to young postgraduate medical students. National Novo Nordisk Life Science award is given to young Indian scientists below the age of 45 working in India for original research work in life sciences. The award carries a citation and a cash prize of Rs 1.25 lakh. NNEF's activities are supported by Nova Nordisk, the world leader in insulin and diabetes care and the largest producer of PF enzymes for industrial use. "We are also supporting NNEF in its latest programme called NovaAid where free insulin would be provided to the poor and needy children under the age of 16," said Sunil Wason, business manager of Nova Nordisk, north India branch. He further added: "In fact the very reason for setting up NNEF was to enhance healthcare by facilitatingawareness and education."Overtime, the foundation intends to undertake related activities like setting up a national resource library, patronising centres of excellence, undertaking research projects, and conducting patient empowerment programmes.