Like other parts of the globe, World Diabetes Day will be observed across Pakistan, including Lahore, on Friday, November 14, to raise public awareness about the benefits of early diagnosis and proper management to avoid complications.
Seminars, workshops, walks and free screening camps will be arranged at the public and private levels to mark the day. World Diabetes Day serves as a reminder that a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet and regular exercise are the most effective tools to fight this disease.
Currently, 589 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, and this number is expected to reach 853 million by 2045. Pakistan has one of the highest diabetes prevalence rates in the world, with about 31.4% of the adult population (34.5 million people) affected, many of whom remain undiagnosed.
Delivering a lecture at the Lahore General Hospital on Wednesday, Ameer-ud-Din Medical College Principal Prof Farooq Afzal emphasised that diabetes can be detected from a single drop of blood, while delay in diagnosis or treatment can lead to serious complications.
Preventing the disease requires immediate lifestyle changes, he stated. He pointed out that the growing consumption of fast food, sugary drinks, and poor dietary habits are major contributors to the spread of diabetes, and public awareness is essential to control it.
Prof Farooq stated that diabetes is not only a medical issue but also a social and economic challenge. To address it effectively, healthcare professionals, educational institutions, the media, and the public must work together to promote awareness, early diagnosis, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Dr Faryad Hussain said that the rising rate of diabetes among children is alarming. Sedentary lifestyle, along with excessive use of mobile phones and television, has made the younger generation physically inactive. Parents must ensure a balanced diet and regular physical activities for their children, he emphasised.
Dr Maqsood stated that insulin remains the cornerstone of diabetes treatment. Its proper use helps patients prevent complications related to the heart, kidneys, vision, and nerves. He advised diabetic patients to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels, maintain a balanced diet, and include daily exercise in their routines.
Dr Laila Shafiq stated that women, especially during pregnancy, should regularly monitor their blood sugar and blood pressure, as gestational diabetes poses serious risks for both mother and child.
Dr Anum Batool said that parents should take early symptoms of diabetes in children, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, or fatigue, seriously and consult a doctor immediately to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
