1 in every 2 persons having Diabetes is undiagnosed: Experts

ISLAMABAD: World Diabetes Day is being marked today all over the world. It is the primary worldwide awareness campaign centering on diabetes and is held on 14 November each year.

Shifa International Hospital observed this day by arranging an awareness seminar on Wednesday. The Chief Guest Senator KhushBakht Shujaat Chairperson, Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services Regulations & Coordination while speaking to the seminar said that, the theme of the day in 2019 is about preventing your family by raising awareness of the effect of diabetes and promoting the role of the family in the management, care, protection, and education of diabetes. She emphasized the need to educate the communities to restrain inactive lifestyle, unhealthful eating habits, lack of exercise and physical activity, which are among major controllable elements to prevent diabetes prevalence.

Consultant Endocrinologist Dr. Osama Ishtiaq said that, overall diabetes prevalence in Pakistan is 19 percent and over 522 million people are presently living with diabetes globally. Most of these cases are type 2 diabetes, which is capable of being prevented through regular bodily function, a healthy and balanced diet, and the promotion of healthy living environments. He said that type 1 diabetes is not preventable but can be managed with insulin injections.

Consultant Endocrinologist SIH, Dr. Umar Yousaf Raja Khan explained that Diabetes is a chronic illness that happens when the pancreas is no longer able to make insulin, or when the body cannot make appropriate use of the insulin it produces. Diabetes is a leading reason for heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and lower limb disability. 1 in every 2 people currently living with diabetes is undiagnosed. Most cases are affected by type 2 diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment are key elements to prevent the complications of diabetes and achieve healthy outcomes, he stated.

Addressing the occasion, CEO SIH, Dr. Manzoor-Ul-Haq Qazi and Medical Director, Dr. Zeeshan Bin Ishtiaque thanked the audience for their valued participation and stressed everyone to adopt a healthier lifestyle.