FIGHT AGAINST DIABETES

This is with reference to the editorial, ‘India must prioritise to fight against diabetes’, (Nov 14). Diabetes is a multi-factorial disease and often the sedentary lifestyle is described as the underlying cause of this disorder. However, the presence of high amounts of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides such DDT, eldrin, dieldrin etc. essentially found in food items are reported to have the diabetogenic activity. These compounds are not metabolised in the body and keep accumulating over the years, producing harmful effects. It is high time that the authorities check excessive use of such chemicals. Akhtar Mahmood, Chandigarh