New Delhi, Sep 30 (IANS): To curb the rise of diabetes in India, a city hospital here Tuesday announced it would set up 50 "sugar clinics" for easy access to integrated diabetes care while promoting early detection.

Apollo Hospital in collaboration with Sanofi (a pharmaceutical firm) will set up the clinics that will increase awareness about diabetes and help people in managing their lifestyle.

"Through the opening of Apollo Sugar Clinics, we will be able to offer patients advanced care and counselling that will help them better manage their health condition. This is a good start towards improving the diabetes infrastructure in India," said Prathap Reddy, chairman, Apollo Hospitals.

According to the ministry of health, India has over 65 million diabetes patients and close to 77.2 million people have been diagnosed as being pre-diabetic.

Speaking on the occasion, Christopher A. Viehbacher, CEO, Sanofi, said: "By setting up the sugar clinics, we are demonstrating a superior patient experience, that offers support at various stages of the diabetes care journey, and aims to reduce the burden of the disease."