KARACHI: Barrister Murtaza Wahab, the Administrator of Karachi, a spokesman for the Sindh Government and the Chief Minister's Advisor on Law, recently said that the number of people who have diabetes in Pakistan is alarming.
"We will set up health awareness programs and highlight them at the government level. We all have a role to play in building a healthy society," the Administrator said while speaking as a special guest at a seminar held at a local hotel on the occasion of World Diabetes Day.
Murtaza Wahab said that more than 537 million people worldwide are affected by diabetes, adding that awareness is key to controlling the disease. He said that there is a danger that by 2040, the number of diabetics in Pakistan could reach 14.4 million if a proper awareness campaign and proper treatment is not adopted.
"We all need to work together to improve our lives and protect our present and future generations from this disease. It is important to exercise daily and walk," he added.
The Administrator said that we all have to live a good and healthy life by making positive changes in our eating habits and lifestyle.
He said that it is not only the duty of doctors or medical staff but also everyone has to feel their responsibility. He said that such seminars play an essential role in spreading awareness about diabetes, and therefore holding them regularly can help control diabetes.
Briefing the seminar, Dr Basit said that 33 million people in Pakistan have diabetes, and one out of every four people is affected by the disease. The theme of this year's World Diabetes Day is Access to Diabetes Prevention.
Dr Basit said that even after discovering insulin, millions of people with diabetes worldwide still lack the care they need. In contrast, millions of people with diabetes need constant care and support to improve their condition and avoid complications.