Balanced Diet, Physical Activity Can Control Type 2 Diabetes

News Desk

Islamabad:  Experts expressed grave concern about the rising number of diabetic patients in the country and emphasised the importance of raising community awareness through the media in order to reduce sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eating patterns, and a lack of physical activity.

Most of these cases are type 2 diabetes, which is largely preventable through regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and the promotion of healthy living environments, said Lahore-based Specialist Dr Uneeba Syed.

Dr Uneeba informed that Pakistan has the highest rate of diabetes patients worldwide and the average age at which people were contracting diabetes was also getting lower in the country, due to which teenagers getting diagnosed with diabetes had become routine due to obesity.

She highlighted that excess weight and body fat are major risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, adding that early diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid diabetes complications and obtain healthy results.

Highly processed foods that are high in calories and low in vitamins, minerals, and fibre break down quickly in the body and can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels,the specialist mentioned.

Parents should encourage children to eat nutrient-dense foods, focusing on fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting their intake of sugar-sweetened beverages such as freezy drinks and soda.

Health expert urged families, schools, healthcare providers, communities, the media, the food industry, and the government to collaborate to fight against the disease.

All types of diabetes are equally serious and, if not properly controlled, can lead to serious complications. Type 1 diabetes is not preventable but can be managed with insulin injections, Syed further added.