Karachi, In observance of World Diabetes Day on November 14, 2023, Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) conducted a comprehensive diabetes awareness campaign throughout November 2023. The campaign, which spanned multiple IHHN campuses, was focused on educating healthcare professionals and the community about effective diabetes management and lifestyle modifications.
According to The Indus Hospital, Pakistan is facing a critical challenge with a diabetes prevalence rate of 26.7% among adults, translating to 33 million individuals in 2021. Additionally, a significant portion of the population remains undiagnosed, and an additional 11 million adults are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In response to this national emergency, The Indus Hospital, Korangi Campus, has been providing care for an average of 1500 diabetic patients each month.
Key events held during the campaign included:
1. Continuing Medical Education (CME) Session at Indus Hospital, Korangi Campus: Held on November 14, 2023, this session titled “Breaking Ground in Diabetes Management” featured experts discussing the latest diabetes management strategies. Dr. Sumerah Jabeen led the session, with presentations by Dr. Aisha Sheikh on SGLT2 inhibitors and Dr. Qamar Masood on in-patient management of hyperglycemia. Dr. Asma Ahmed discussed GLP-1 agonists and their role in diabetes care.
2. Diabetes Awareness Session at The Indus Hospital, Korangi Campus: On November 15, 2023, this session aimed at raising community-level diabetes awareness and featured presentations by Dr. Sumerah Jabeen, Dr. Ayesha Sarfaraz, and Dr. Saba Akhter, covering various diabetes-related topics.
3. Empowering Expectant Mothers at Shaikh Saeed Memorial Center: On November 28, 2023, an awareness session for pregnant women was conducted by Dr. Ayesha Sarfaraz, focusing on diabetes during pregnancy.
4. Diabetes Awareness Initiatives at PIB Colony & Baba Island Campuses: These sessions, held on November 20, 2023, were led by Dr. Tania Najeeb, Dr. Dileep Kumar, Dr. Ayesha Sarfaraz, and Dr. Naushaba Sheikh, emphasizing lifestyle changes in diabetes management.
5. Diabetes Awareness Walk at Al Ghazi Trust Campus, Bhong: The event on November 14, 2023, featured a walk and an awareness session by Dr. Laiba, focusing on diabetes management basics.
The campaign was a part of IHHN’s broader efforts to address the growing diabetes menace in Pakistan and showcased the organization’s commitment to empowering both healthcare professionals and the community in tackling this health crisis.