Karachi: Addressing a seminar on World Diabetes Day at the Dow University of Health Sciences, health experts have stated that due to the increasing rate of diabetes patients, Pakistan has taken the lead globally, following Egypt and Kuwait. Every five seconds, a person dies due to diabetes worldwide. In Pakistan, the number of diabetes patients has exceeded 33 million, with a diabetes rate of over 26.7 percent in adults and a growing risk of young people becoming diabetic due to the rapid increase in obesity, high consumption of fatty foods, lack of exercise, and financial pressure.
During the awareness seminar at the National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology at Ojha campus, Vice-Chancellor Professor Muhammad Saeed Quraishy, Professor Saeed A. Mehar of NICVD, Professor Tariq Farman, Brigadier (Retd) Shoaib Ahmed, Dr. Nasir Ahmed Sial, Professor Zeba Haq, and Professor Akhtar Ali Baloch addressed the audience. Professor Muhammad Saeed Quraishy emphasized the urgent need for measures to reduce the number of diabetes patients in Pakistan, given the unhealthy dietary habits and lifestyles of our youth.
Professor Saeed A. Mahar highlighted the increased risk of heart attacks in diabetes patients, stressing the importance of regular check-ups with doctors and caution in dietary habits. He emphasized that the only solution to prevent the harmful effects of diabetes is caution.
Professor Tariq Farman stated that 670,000 people die annually worldwide due to diabetes, and every five seconds, someone dies from this disease. To prevent this dangerous and fatal disease, there is a need for social awareness because some people are unable to take action despite the significant progress made.
Brigadier (Retd) Shoaib Ahmed mentioned that diabetes patients also suffer from depression, and psychological examinations should be conducted regularly. The disorder in daily life contributes significantly to diabetes, and organizing life can prevent many diseases.
He stressed that everyone should walk 10,000 steps a day for good health. Whether walking briskly or slowly, the goal should be achieved. Dr. Nasir Sial suggested that diabetes patients should have their retinas examined once a year because, after five years of being diabetic, the retina is significantly affected.
Professor Zeba Haq stated that half of the people in Pakistan are aware that they have diabetes, while half of the diabetic individuals are unaware of their condition. Professor Akhtar Ali Baloch mentioned that the National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology provides free insulin to patients and offers complete care to diabetes patients, benefiting 150 patients daily.
