Diabetes is spreading in Pakistan at alarming rate: Experts

• Pakistan is the third country in terms of the number.
• Pakistan ranks ninth in the world in terms of obesity.
• The number of diabetic patients in Pakistan is 33 million.

KARACHI: Pakistan is the third country around the globe in terms of the number of people having diabetes, while it ranks first in the prevalence of diabetes.

In Pakistan, the number of people suffering from type 1 diabetes is very less, but unfortunately, there are a large number of type 2 diabetes patients in the country and it is being spread rapidly which is a matter of concern.

One of the main causes of diabetes in our society is obesity. Pakistan ranks ninth in the world in terms of obesity. Currently, the number of diabetic patients in Pakistan is 33 million, while health experts fear that the actual number of diabetic patients has increased during the last couple of years. There is no doubt that diabetes is spreading in the country at an alarming rate and people are still not taking it seriously.

These views were expressed by the renowned diabetes expert Dr Zahid Mian. He was addressing a seminar “Discovering Diabetes” organized by the University of Karachi at the Arts Auditorium.

The KU and Discovering Diabetesarranged a walk from Pharmacy Chowk to Admin Block. A large number of students, teachers, and employees participated in the awareness walk.

Dr Zhaid Mian informed the audience that every six seconds at least two people are suffering from diabetes in the world. He mentioned that health problems are increasing due to unhealthy lifestyles in Pakistan in general and in Karachi particularly. The rate of exercise among young people in the city of Karachi is the lowest in the world. He noted that Karachi does not have safe places for walking and exercise and people are also fond of eating junk foods and heavy meal intake.

Meanwhile, KU VC Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi said that as a nation we need to move away from myths and adopt realism. “If the rate of diabetes continues to increase rapidly and we do not take serious measures to prevent this disease and failed to change our lifestyle, Pakistan will be at the top of the list of countries with diabetes.”

Syed Jamshed Ahmed said a large number of young people are diagnosed with diabetes which is a very alarming situation.

Also Read

First case of Covid BF.7 variant confirmed in Karachi

BF.7 symptoms include fever, sore throat Dow sent its genomic survey that...

A cardiologist consultant at the KU Clinic Dr Akmal Waheed said that diabetes is a disease but controlling it is an art. Free screening test facilities for teachers, students, and employees were also provided outside the Arts Auditorium.