The non-communicable diseases unit of the health ministry says eight pc of rural and five pc of estate populations too, suffer from diabetes.

Previously, those affected were over 55 years of age, but now even children and pregnant women are affected.

The reason given is high sugar consumption and bad food habits.

Diabetes is the main among the five leading non-communicable diseases in the country.

Recent surveys indicate one out of every fifth Sri Lankan, or 18 pc of the population, suffer from diabetes.

Globally, there are nearly 300 million who suffer from this disease, and every minute it claims a life, while 12 new patients are found every minute.

By 2025, the number of people suffering from diabetes is estimated to rise to 380 million, and 80 pc of them will live in low-income countries like Sri Lanka.

Diabetes also causes kidney and heart disease, strokes, amputations, blindness and sexual impotency.