Diabetes is taking a severe toll on Pakistan, with experts revealing that nearly three million people in the country are grappling with foot ulcers linked to the disease, which can often result in amputations. In addition to this alarming figure, between 16% and 20% of diabetes patients face eye-related complications, while 28% develop kidney failure, necessitating costly dialysis treatments. The warning came during an awareness seminar organized by the Karachi University (KU) Medical Centre in collaboration with Discovering Diabetes, in anticipation of World Diabetes Day 2024.
Dr. Zahid Miyan, a leading diabetes expert, shared these troubling statistics, revealing that Pakistan is home to an estimated 33 million diabetes patients, though the actual number may be even higher. He highlighted the urgent need for a healthier lifestyle to prevent the disease’s debilitating complications.
Dr. Miyan emphasized the staggering number of preventable amputations, with approximately 35 people losing a limb each day due to diabetes-related complications. This leads to an estimated 600,000 amputations annually, most of which could be avoided with proper care. The need for accessible diabetic care facilities, particularly foot care clinics, was also stressed, as such services remain scarce in both the public and private healthcare sectors.
The economic impact of diabetes is significant. Dr. Miyan pointed out that a single dialysis session costs a minimum of 5,000 rupees, with patients requiring up to three sessions per week facing monthly costs of around 60,000 rupees. This financial burden pushes many families into hardship.
Diabetes is also claiming thousands of lives every month in Pakistan, surpassing even the mortality rates of other major health crises, including COVID-19. Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, Vice Chancellor of Karachi University, underscored the growing urgency of addressing the diabetes epidemic, warning that Pakistan could soon top the global list for diabetes cases if current trends persist. He urged strict adherence to prescribed medications and warned against self-medication, stressing the role of institutions like Karachi University in spreading awareness and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Prof. Dr. Shaista Tabassum, Dean of KU’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, cited unhealthy lifestyles and a lack of awareness as contributing factors, noting that many people turn to traditional remedies instead of seeking proper medical treatment. She called for widespread education to combat the rising diabetes burden.
The psychological toll of diabetes was also discussed by Prof. Dr. Anila Amber Malik, Chairperson of the Department of Psychology at KU. She noted that diabetes not only impacts patients but also affects their families, and advocated for a shift in mindset to embrace proactive lifestyle changes before diagnosis.
Dr. Akmal Waheed, KU’s Medical Officer, described managing diabetes as an “art,” requiring discipline and a strategic approach to avoid complications. He expressed deep concern over the rapid rise in diabetes cases across the country, urging immediate action to prevent a nationwide health crisis.
The Discovering Diabetes Project has already assisted thousands of people in identifying and managing diabetes, using innovative tools such as an AI-powered chatbot to help individuals assess their health and seek medical guidance. Rauf Imam, a project official, noted that their initiative has received over a million calls since its launch, helping raise awareness and connect people with healthcare professionals.
Experts agree that Pakistan needs a comprehensive strategy, combining awareness, affordable healthcare, and preventive measures, to address the growing diabetes epidemic and prevent further health crises.
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