Diabetes Emerges as Growing Crisis in Pakistan, Experts Warn

APP

Multan: Diabetes has become an escalating national crisis in Pakistan, with an estimated 33 million adults currently living with the disease, according to health and civil society experts.

During a special press conference marking World Health Day, representatives from the Civil Society Forum Multan shared alarming statistics and called for immediate government intervention.

Dr Irfan Ahmed Pracha emphasized the rapid increase, stating, “Between 2000 and 2021, the number of diabetic adults in Pakistan surged from 5.2 million to 33 million. What’s even more concerning is that nearly 8 to 9 million people remain undiagnosed and untreated.”

Experts also pointed to the heavy economic burden of diabetes, which is estimated at $25 billion—approximately 1.6 percent of the national GDP. A significant portion of individual incomes is spent on managing the chronic condition.

To tackle this growing health issue, the forum proposed several measures. One major recommendation was relocating the District Jail from Multan’s urban center and establishing a dedicated Diabetes Hospital on the site. The forum also called on the government to ensure the uninterrupted and free provision of insulin at public hospitals.

The speakers attributed obesity and excessive sugar consumption as key contributors to the diabetes epidemic, noting that the condition is more prevalent in rural areas than in urban centers.

They also criticized the unchecked rise of unqualified medical practitioners and called for stricter regulation of medical stores, ensuring certified personnel are always present. Additionally, they stressed the importance of strengthening primary healthcare services and creating an effective referral system for specialists.

In terms of prevention, Dr. Irfan Pracha urged adopting healthier lifestyles, including eliminating sugar and refined carbohydrates from diets, eating smaller portions, staying physically active with daily walks, drinking plenty of clean water, and increasing fiber intake. “Including a good source of fiber in every meal can help stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, ultimately reducing the risk of diabetes,” he added.

The forum concluded with a strong appeal to authorities, urging them to treat diabetes as a national health emergency and implement comprehensive, sustained measures to address its rising prevalence.