This was highlighted at a seminar on `Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease' jointly organised by Scientific Diagnostic Centre and Gujarat Institute of Civil Engineers and Architects here on Sunday.

``The main aim of this seminar was to create awareness among the masses about various aspects of some common ailments like diabetes. The interactive sessions were held to help people dispel some myths surrounding these diseases,'' Virendra Shah, one of the organisers said.

The seminar received an enthusiastic response with 1,200 people participating. Speakers included Dr Jyotindra Bhatt, who spoke about heart disease. Dr Premal Thakor discussed the disease which is gripping several Gujaratis -- diabetes.

He said though diabetes was a multi-factoral disease, those with a family history of diabetes should be cautious. Talking about the diagnostic aspects of the three ailments, Dr Girish Rindhaini said though reports of pathalogical laboratories are reliable, ``in the coming years, the department of science and technology will accredit these laboratories which make these reports more reliable.'' Other speakers included Dr Harshad Gandhi and Dr Navnit Shah.

The question answer session proved to be interesting. On the side effects of insulin, Dr Premal Thakor said these days insulin being used is very close to natural human insulin, hence there are no side effects. Debunking the common myth that jaggery was less harmful than sugar, Dr Thakor said both were equally harmful.

Stressing on the importance of exercise, Dr Navnit Shah said, ``To get maximum benefit of treatment, patients should also change their lifestyle and attitude.'' Explaining the effects of salt on blood pressure, Dr Harshad Gandhi adviced patients of hypertension to take salt in less quantities.