MALE, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The Maldivian Health Ministry on Monday said that over 60 percent of Maldivians were prone to diabetes while over 50 percent of those affected were not aware they had the illness.

In a recent survey conducted by the Health Ministry and Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, it said that Maldivians needed to change their lifestyle and food especially after they were diagnosed with a major illness.

The survey was conducted following information gathered from 50,000 people. It was revealed that women were more prone to diabetes than men in the island country.

Overall 8.1 percent of the total Maldivian population was affected by diabetes.

The survey was completed as part of the 100 day pledge policy of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to educate Maldivians about diabetes and to provide better medical treatment for the patients.