Experts voice concern over rising incidence of diabetes

MN Report

Islamabad: Voicing concern that the number of people suffering from diabetes are increasing rapidly in country, health experts have advised diabetes patients to adopt preventive measures to avoid serious complications such as amputation of limbs.

Underscoring the need for prevention of diabetes with rigorous lifestyle intervention or drug therapy, executive director of Polyclinic, Dr Zahid advised 30-minute daily exercise, at least two-month dietary routine and early treatment for cholesterol to control blood pressure.

He said patients with diabetes are at very high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and peripheral vascular diseases and are at more risk of heart attack and heart failure than normal persons.

He was of the view that due to serious complications, diabetes patients are commonly left with no option but to go for surgery that is expensive and risky.

Consultant endocrinologist and in-charge of diabetic clinic of Polyclinic, Dr Ahmad Khawaja said that diabetes prevention is more important than treatment.

He said diabetic patients should strictly check their lifestyle and dietary habits to avoid serious complications, including limbs amputation.

"They are required to pay attention to foot health, especially when there is significantly diminished blood flow and nerve damage (neuropathy)," he added.

He said such complications do not occur very early but with the passage of time could pose serious threat to patient's life.

Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate in Pakistan. Estimated figures showed that the number would increase from 7.1 million to 11.4 million, ranking Pakistan 10th in the world by 2030, he said, adding 12 per cent adults above the age of 25 suffer from this condition, 10pc of them have an Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT).