Karachi: Pakistan faces a significant challenge with diabetes, as approximately 34.5 million adults are living with the condition, and 9.3 million of them remain undiagnosed. Without effective interventions, projections suggest that the number of adults with diabetes could rise to 70.2 million by 2050.
According to Aga Khan University, experts from the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) convened a media roundtable to discuss the increasing diabetes burden in Pakistan. Specialists from various fields emphasized the importance of early recognition of risk factors. The discussion highlighted the comprehensive impact of diabetes, which extends beyond blood sugar levels to affect blood vessels and nerves, potentially leading to heart, kidney, eye, and limb complications.
Dr. Asma Ahmed, a Consultant Endocrinologist at AKUH, stressed that Type 2 diabetes is not restricted to older adults. Younger individuals, especially those with a family history or other risk factors, should seek screening before symptoms appear. For those diagnosed, adherence to prescribed medication, regular follow-ups, and lifestyle changes are crucial for managing the condition and minimizing complications.
The importance of early intervention was underscored by AKUH's Pakistan Diabetes Prevention Trial, which showed that 61 percent of participants with prediabetes returned to normal blood sugar levels after a year of culturally tailored lifestyle changes. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Shaikh, Assistant Professor and Section Head of Vascular Surgery at AKUH, highlighted the risks to circulation and nerve health, noting that unnoticed minor injuries could lead to severe complications if untreated.
Nutrition also plays a critical role in diabetes management, as explained by Farah Syed, Senior Dietitian at AKUH. She emphasized making balanced choices, controlling portion sizes, and incorporating vegetables, pulses, and whole grains while reducing sugary drinks to support better blood sugar management. The specialists concluded that managing diabetes effectively requires coordinated care that integrates medical management, vascular assessments, and personalized nutrition guidance to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.