LAHORE: On World Diabetes Day, the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) urged the government to take immediate action to combat the diabetes epidemic, stressing the importance of free diabetes screenings, particularly in rural areas, and advocated for reducing the cost of diabetes medications to enhance accessibility.
Pakistan ranks among the countries with the highest prevalence of diabetes, with 26pc of the population affected by the disease. Experts attribute the sharp rise in diabetes cases, especially among the youth, to lack of physical activity, widespread consumption of energy drinks, and limited access to healthy recreational facilities.
PIMA central president Prof. Atif Hafeez Siddiqui outlined key factors contributing to the rapid spread of diabetes in Pakistan, citing lack of awareness, delayed treatment, unhealthy lifestyles, and insufficient physical activity as major issues.
“Many people in Pakistan are unaware of the serious implications of diabetes and preventive measures,” said Prof. Siddiqui. “Physical activity is almost non-existent, while unhealthy, fatty foods have become commonplace in many households. Our youth is spending more time on mobile devices rather than participating in sports or outdoor activities. This sedentary lifestyle, coupled with poor dietary habits, is driving an alarming rise in obesity, a significant risk factor for diabetes,” he warns.
He pointed out that social and cultural barriers limit women's participation in physical activities, worsening the issue. “Basic exercise and sports are often inaccessible to many women due to cultural constraints, leading to higher obesity rates among women and consequently increasing their risk of diabetes,” he added.
Prof. Siddiqui urged the public to incorporate regular physical activity into their daily routines and adopt preventive strategies to mitigate diabetes risk. “The fight against diabetes begins with awareness and early action. We need to prioritise our health to avoid severe complications,” he stated.