India, Nov. 14 -- A World Health Organisation official has said one in three adults in the South-East Asia region suffers from diabetes.

On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge for WHO South-East Asia, said over 279 million adults are living with diabetes in the region.

"Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disease, can lead to life-threatening damage to the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes if diagnosed late or managed poorly. It remains a significant challenge in South-East Asia, with over 279 million adults living with diabetes-one-third of the global burden-and a high number of undiagnosed, untreated, or poorly controlled cases," the official said.

"Only one in three adults with diabetes receives treat...