Staff Report
FAISALABAD: The diabetes rate in Pakistan is skyrocketing, and currently, one in four adults is affected by this disease.
This was brought to light by Allied Hospital’s assistant professor of Medicine, Dr. Muhammad Irfan, while he was talking to the media at the end of a walk organized in connection with the Diabetes Awareness campaign.
The Lyallpur Diabetes Foundation and the Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine organized the walk on Wednesday. Professor Dr. Amir Shaukat, Dr. Muhammad Irfan, Dr. Ahmed Shahzad, and Dr. Owais Fazal led the walk.
The participants of the walk were carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans featuring precautions to avoid diabetes.
The walk started from Faisalabad Medical University’s Vice Chancellor’s office and concluded at the main gate.
Prevalence of Diabetes
Dr. Muhammad Irfan claimed that Pakistan currently ranks first in terms of diabetes prevalence. The diabetes rate in Pakistan is 30%, meaning one in four adults suffers from this disease.
Health Impacts of Diabetes
He said diabetes takes a toll on every part of the body and is also the leading cause of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failure. He noted that globally, a leg is amputated every 30 seconds due to diabetes complications. Diabetes is becoming the leading cause of blindness, he claimed.
Preventive Measures Suggested
Professor Dr. Amir Shaukat urged people to take precautionary measures to prevent diabetes, stating that we can keep it at bay by avoiding fast food.
Recommendations for Daily Activity
He suggested a 45-minute walk daily to stay safe from the clutches of diabetes. He also mentioned that excess weight and smoking contribute to diabetes.
Commitment to Education
Dr. Ahmed Shahzad vowed that the Lyallpur Diabetic Association will conduct awareness programs in schools and colleges to nip diabetes in the bud.