According to the health ministry most sufferers have type 2 diabetes, and a quarter of these remain undiagnosed.

To mark world diabetes day on 14 November, the government is launching a new campaign to focus on adopting healthy habits. “We must rethink our daily habits, ie adopt a healthy diet, exercise regularly, maintain a normal weight and stop smoking,” health minister Etienne Schneider (LSAP) wrote in a press release.

Diabetes is an incurable, chronic disease caused by a lack or misuse of insulin in the body.  It prevents the body from using sugar as an energy source and so sugar accumulates in the blood, causing complications such as myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and arteritis of the lower limbs. Type 2 diabetes is caused by environmental and genetic factors. Being overweight and leading an inactive lifestyle are believed to be contributing factors. This year’s campaign emphasises prevention measures, in particular focusing on families by encouraging healthy living.

The public can find out more when health organisations and preventive bodies host stands at City Concorde on 7 November from 9am to 6pm. Members of the public are also encouraged to join the solidarity walk against diabetes in Linger on 9 November. Participants can choose between a 5 and 10 km hike organised by national rambling association the FLMP.

People can also get tested for diabetes, obesity or the risk of contracting diabetes at any of the country’s four national hospitals, on 7, 9 and 14 November.