Over 33mn diabetics in Pakistan struggling with mental health challenges

KARACHI: Alarming findings from the International Diabetes Federation’s (IDF) latest survey has revealed that over three quarters of Pakistan’s 33 million people living with diabetes experienced mental health challenges due to the daily demands of managing their condition, senior diabetologists and health experts said on the other day.

Speaking at a news conference, organised by the “Discovering Diabetes” project at Karachi Press Club (KPC), they said with diabetes rate continuing to rise nationwide, 78% of patients report facing anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues linked to the stress of controlling the disease.

Dr Ali Asghar, a Consultant Endocrinologist and President Elect of the Pakistan Endocrine Society, described diabetes as a pandemic-level health threat that poses serious challenges both physically and emotionally.

“Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions worldwide, with over 537 million people affected globally, including 33 million here in Pakistan alone. Factors like urbanisation, poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and rising obesity are accelerating diabetes rates, especially among younger populations,” he stated.

The IDF survey, which assessed the mental health of diabetics, found that 72% of respondents fear future complications from diabetes, while 69% report struggles with accessing necessary medications and supplies.

In Pakistan, 65% of diabetics face challenges due to limited healthcare support, while 62% feel overwhelmed by the daily demands of managing their condition. This strain often leads to feelings of isolation, with 58% reporting stigma. A particularly concerning issue is “diabetes burnout,” which affects 88% of patients, leaving 79% of them to delay or stop treatment due to stress, jeopardizing long-term care adherence.

These findings highlight the urgent need for mental health resources alongside physical care. Dr. Asghar stressed the importance of prioritizing both aspects of diabetes management.

In response, Pharmevo’s Discovering Diabetes initiative is addressing these challenges through education, technology, and AI. Project head Mohsin Sheraz shared that the program has reached over 8.5 million people since 2021, directly supporting 344,000 individuals with free education and consultations. Through screenings for nearly a million people and the DIBOT chatbot—an AI-powered tool offering personalized diabetes guidance—the initiative continues to make a significant impact, with DIBOT tracking 36,000 diabetics in the past year alone.