Karachi: A public awareness program was organized at Sir Syed College of Medical Sciences, Karachi, by Sir Syed Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology (SSIDE) on the occasion of “World Diabetes Day” in collaboration with Diabetic Association of Pakistan and Karachi Central Lions Club.
Prof. A. Samad Shera was the chief guest on this event.
On this occasion, Director of Sir Syed Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Lion Prof. M. Zaman Shaikh, said that obesity along with diabetes are two of the major epidemics of our society. He highlighted on one of the major complications of Diabetes which is ‘Diabetic foot’. He emphasized that patients with diabetes ought to take good care of their feet as the pain sensation in diabetic people is weak, so they are often unable to sense the presence of injury or infection. He also said that childhood obesity should never be taken lightly as it may be a predisposing factor for many diseases in the future. He further said that central obesity is much more dangerous and these people are more prone to disease. He highlighted some of the major complications of obesity which include type 2 diabetes, gall bladder disease, pulmonary disease, joint problems, heart attack, high blood pressure, gynecological disease and fatty liver disease.
Speaking about the significance of lifestyle changes, he emphasized the importance of daily physical exercise in the form of brisk morning walk for at least 30 minutes for average diabetes patients, sensible diet, maintenance of body weight and quitting smoking. He further said that healthy breakfast must be taken to stabilize the metabolism of body. He also said that fruits must be taken in raw form and not as juice. He added, fish is the best source of protein and must be taken twice a week. Chicken is also healthy protein but must not be taken as broast. Dry fruits, especially almonds contain mono unsaturated fat is good for health. He said that anxiety and tension make sugar out of control due to production of stress hormones in the body. Moreover, He said there are three white poisons which should be avoided namely white flour, sugar and salt.
The chief guest of this event, Prof. A. Samad Shera spoke on this occasion and highlighted the importance of diabetes education in our society. He also emphasized on the proper usage and administration of insulin. He said that insulin injections should be taken at accurate timings that is before breakfast and dinner and that the proper sites of injecting it are front of thighs and abdomen. He also gave importance of 6 Ps – Policy making, Physicians with paramedic staff, people with diabetes, public, press and electronic media and partnership in spreading more awareness of diabetes. He also said that certain risk factors are involved for diabetes which include being overweight, over the age of 40, diabetes in family and south Asian origin; having two or more risk factors could mean that the person is more prone to having diabetes at some stage of life.
Mr. Yogi Wajahat talked about the significance of yoga in patients with diabetes. He informed that there are two types of yoga classical and non-classical. The one that is beneficial for diabetes patients is non-classical yoga. He suggested and demonstrated Apan mudhra, Kapal Bhatti, Mandac position and sound watching for 20 minutes and said that these can be of great importance in controlling diabetes.
Dr. Moin-ud-Din Sheikh, Chairman of Sir Syed College of Medical Science, Miss Rabbiya Tirmizi and Faria Tofique also spoke. After the scientific session, free blood sugar, blood pressure and obesity tests were performed on all the patients with diabetes attending the seminar.