Pakistan is considered one of the global epicenters of diabetes as the disease continues to rise alarmingly across the country.
The country ranks third in the world in terms of the highest number of diabetes patients. There is an urgent need for the public to make lifestyle changes to address this growing health crisis, speakers at a seminar stressed.
The seminar was organized by Prof Dr. M Zaman Shaikh, Chairman, National Diabetes Chapter, Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine (PSIM) and Sir Syed College of Medical Sciences, Karachi, in association with Express Media Group.
Professor Javed Akram was the chief guest while Professor Aftab Mohsin was the guest of honour. The event was sponsored by ICan, Atco Group, High-Q, Barrett Hodgson Pakistan Pvt Ltd, Scilife, Martin Dow, Getz Pharma, Highnoon Laboratories Limited and Servier. The theme of the seminar was ‘Diabetes and well-being’. Participants from different walks of life attended the seminar.
Dr. Somia Iqtadar acted as facilitator while leading medical professionals spoke in detail about various aspects of diabetes, its complications and preventive measures and guided participants on effective disease management.
Former Federal Minister of Health and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Health Sciences (UHS), Professor Dr. Javed Akram, highlighted the alarming diabetes situation in Pakistan and expressed serious concern over the rapidly increasing number of patients. He said that Pakistan is getting negative global attention due to its failure to control the escalating diabetes cases.
“Pakistan has become a center of diabetes and its prevalence is increasing at an alarming rate. The public should consider the sensitivity of this disease and I strongly advise the public to change their lifestyle. Diabetes is a controllable disease and if we act wisely and emphasize physical activity and exercise, it can be effectively managed. It is tragic that people get heart attacks and paralysis at the age of young people, if they suffer from heart attacks and crippling diabetes. adopt a healthy lifestyle, the risk of diabetes can reduced by up to 45 percent.Our body is a blessing from Almighty Allah and we must appreciate it.
Dr. Describing diabetes as a ‘silent killer’, M Zaman Shaikh explained that in the early stages it often causes no pain and symptoms usually appear after several years, by which time serious damage may have already been done. He stressed the urgent need for widespread public education and awareness to protect future generations.
He stated that women suffering from diabetes must be especially careful during pregnancy to protect both themselves and their newborns, as diabetes during pregnancy increases the risk of several diseases in infants. He also pointed out that obesity and impotence are treatable conditions, but social taboos in Eastern societies often discourage open discussion.
Dr. Aftab Mohsin called it tragic that almost half of diabetes patients remain unaware of their condition due to the absence of early symptoms. He emphasized the importance of simple screening tests, preventive measures, a healthy lifestyle, blood pressure control, regular exercise, stress management and adherence to a balanced diet.
Dr. Somia Iqtadar said that the diabetes situation in Pakistan has reached an extremely serious level where the number of patients is increasing at an alarmingly faster pace.
Professor Dr. Tariq Wasim emphasized strict dietary control and at least 30 minutes of daily exercise and warned that the growing trend of fast food consumption is a major contributor to diabetes, especially among young people.
Dr. Shehla Javed Akram highlighted the need to reduce carbohydrate intake, increase physical activity and effectively manage stress to lower the risk of diabetes.
Dr. Nabeel Akbar warned that undetected diabetes can silently damage vital organs, especially the kidneys and heart. He stressed the importance of controlling cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Professor Dr. Gulshad Hassan advised regular screening, timely medical consultation and strict adherence to prescribed treatment plans along with necessary lifestyle changes.
Editor Express Forum, Ajmal Sattar Malak, stated that Express Media Group remains committed to raising awareness on health and social issues.
A large number of medical students attended the seminar, while pharmaceutical companies also set up information booths to guide and educate the public. In response to questions, medical experts also guided the participants on precautions regarding the disease.
