'No age group is spare from diabetes', Dr Atif at World Diabetes Day session

KARACHI: The objective behind World Diabetes day is to create awareness regarding diabetes. The Diabetic Association of Pakistan and WHO Collaborating Centre Karachi recently organised a scientific session at a local hotel.

On this occasion Professor Abdul Basit Secretary General, Diabetic Association of Pakistan (DAP) introduced the theme of the World Diabetes Day “Education to Protect Tomorrow”. He said Diabetes education is now recognised as a key component of diabetes management. Education and training of diabetes educators, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, people with diabetes, and the general public is of utmost importance for the prevention of diabetes and its complications.

1st Speaker of the Scientific Session was Prof Peter Schwarz, who spoke on the topic of “Diabetes Prevention Program”. He said after about three years the Diabetes Prevention Program study showed that people who are high risk for type 2 diabetes can prevent or delay the disease by losing modest amount of weight through lifestyle changes (dietary changes and increased physical activity-eating less fat and fewer calories and exercising 150 minutes per week). One group of participants in the lifestyle change program lowered the chances of developing Type 2 Diabetes by 58% and other group who took a safe effective generic medicine Metformin lowered their chances of developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by 31%

Dr Romania Iqbal spoke on “Modifying lifestyle of women with a history of GDM to prevent DM”. She said Gestational Diabetes is diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth. However, if a woman have had Gestational Diabetes, they have a higher risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes. If you have had Gestational Diabetes, healthy choices may also reduce the risk of having it again in future pregnancies or developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the future.

Eating healthy food high in fiber and low in fat and calories. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains, watch portion size. Keep active, 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days of the week lose extra weight. Don’t gain more weight than ideal. Gaining too much weight too quickly can increase your risk of Gestational Diabetes and developing Type 2 Diabetes.

3rd talk of Scientific Session was by Dr Atif Munir who talked on “Type 1 diabetes in Pakistan – Lost in translation”. He said no age group is spare from diabetes. Type 1 is usually encountered in the younger age group and Type 2 diabetes is known to affect adults, but now type 2 diabetes is on emergence in children and adolescents. This has to be taken seriously as it is a threat for developing complications at an early age. Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed early and is treated with insulin till life. Punctuality and regularity should be ensured with diet control. There is no role of oral drugs.

Prof Asher Fawwad Joint Secretary Diabetic Association of Pakistan talked on “Value addition of the Diabetic Association of Pakistan (DAP)”. He said I have this opportunity to introduce recent developments at the DAP. We are soon starting an equipped eye department with extended services, including Laser Treatment, Intravitreal Injection, and Cataract Surgeries for people with diabetes. Additionally, we are inaugurating a Diabetic Foot clinic and Pedograph to promote the prevention of Diabetic Foot.

Furthermore, a Gestational Diabetes Clinic setup is also underway. "We are pleased to write that DAP is heading towards a paper-free environment and are now almost fully computerized from reception to the doctor’s desk, followed by diet and education department, and finally to pharmacy and prescription."

In the evening an open session was organised for people with Diabetes and their families. Prof Abdul Basit introduced the theme of World Diabetes Day 2022.

Chief guest Lt Gen (R) Moin Uddin Haider, HI (M) Former Governor Sindh/Former Federal Minister of Interior applauded Diabetic Association of Pakistan’s efforts towards the improvement of diabetes care in Pakistan. He emphasised on the prevention and best management of diabetes to avoid complications.