Diabetes: A Growing Concern In Pakistan

News Desk

Peshawar: Health experts have warned that diabetes is a serious public health concern in Pakistan, with one in eleven people affected and over 400,000 deaths recorded in 2021.

Speaking at a diabetes awareness session held in Peshawar this week, the health experts said that this is a significant increase from previous years.

Addressing the event, Dr Nida Iftikhar revealed alarming statistics, reporting that 1 in 11 people in Pakistan is affected by diabetes, with 400,000 deaths recorded in 2021 due to the disease. Among those affected, 10 percent are male and 9.5 percent are female.

Notably, up to 95 percent of diabetes cases are type 2 diabetes, a figure expected to rise significantly until 2045, making it imperative to focus on prevention and management.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes which is a preventable and manageable condition, but it is on the rise in Pakistan due to a number of factors, including an unhealthy diet, a lack of physical activity and obesity.

The high prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan is a major public health concern. Diabetes can lead to a number of serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputations. Diabetes also increases the risk of premature death.

The government of Pakistan has taken some steps to address the problem of diabetes, such as launching public awareness campaigns and providing subsidies for diabetes medications. However, more needs to be done to prevent and manage diabetes in Pakistan.

Health experts have emphasised the crucial role of widespread awareness, proper education about diabetes, and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle in effectively managing diabetes and improving the overall quality of life.

This important message was conveyed during the diabetes awareness activity organised by the Mercy Teaching Hospital (MTH) and Rufaida Nursing College (RNC) Diabetes and Endocrinology Department.The session primarily aimed to educate nursing students about diabetes, prevention, care and management.

MTH Diabetes and Endocrinology Department Head Dr Faheemullah underscored the adverse effects of consuming carbonated drinks, junk food, and a lack of exercise on health which can lead to diabetes, emphasising the necessity of adopting a healthier lifestyle and raising awareness about the dangers of such habits to avoid this debilitating disease.

Nutritionist Aliya Hayat provided valuable insights into maintaining a healthy diet. She recommended a balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, and protein in daily meals, emphasising stress management and physical activity as key factors in diabetes prevention.

Dr Sajjad underscored the importance of foot care for diabetic patients, stressing the significance of cleanliness, regular check-ups, and the use of safe and comfortable shoes to prevent complications.

The diabetes awareness session marked a significant step in promoting knowledge and understanding of diabetes prevention and management, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more diabetes-aware community.