Stuttgart Essen, Germany (dpa) - Diabetes is on the rise, delegates to a medical symposium on the illness reported, pointing to increased prosperity, which in turn leads to the consumption of rich and fatty foods, sedentary lifestyles, stress and greater longevity.

Among the effects of diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, blindness and amputation are the most serious. Nevertheless the disease is often underestimated, Wolfgang Beischer, director of a Stuttgart hospital warned.

The first symptoms of diabetes - high blood pressure and increased fat content in the blood - should be carefully monitored, Beischer said, noting that overweight people were most at risk.

Medical estimates of the incidence of diabetes in a prosperous country like Germany run as high as five per cent, with 15 per cent of those over 60 and 25 per cent of those over 75 falling victim to the disease.

There is also a considerable number of people with diabetes who are unaware of the fact.

"The disease is often missed," Gereon Boersch from Essen said.

"Once the first noticeable symptoms appear, such as extreme thirst, weight loss and frequent passing of water, the disease is at a relatively advanced stage and needs urgent treatment," the diabetes expert said.

The chief aim of treatment is to normalize blood sugar levels, blood pressure and the metabolism, whether through medication, including insulin, exercise or diet.

(From Deutsche Presse-agentur)