iabetes is a growing concern in Pakistan. According to the International Diabetes Federation, one in every four adults is living with diabetes in the country. This is the highest national prevalence in the world. Pakistan has the third highest number of people living with diabetes in the world after China and India. The disease is now a major public health issue, affecting more than 34 million people in the country.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or use it effectively. This leads to high levels of glucose in the bloodstream, which can cause a range of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and blindness.

In Pakistan, diabetes is a significant health problem. The prevalence of diabetes in the country has increased rapidly over the past few years. One of the main reasons for the high prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan is the society‘s changing lifestyles. Rapid urbanisation, sedentary living and unhealthy diets have contributed to the rising incidence of the disease. In addition, there is a lack of awareness and understanding of diabetes, its symptoms and its management among the general population. Another contributing factor is the lack of access to quality healthcare in many parts of the country. Diabetes treatment and management require regular monitoring, medication, and lifestyle changes. This can be difficult for people living in poverty or in remote areas with limited healthcare resources.

Women with diabetes face unique challenges related to reproductive health, including a higher risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. In addition, cultural and social norms make it more difficult for women to access healthcare services and receive appropriate diabetes management. An essential part of diabetes prevention and treatment that needs to be prioritised in the nation is attending to the particular requirements of diabetic women.

Pakistan is one of the 15 countries in the world where the number of people aged 60 and above is more than 10 million. The number of older people in the country, estimated currently to be 16 million, is predicted to rise to 45 million by 2050. The prevalence of diabetes among older people in Pakistan is high. In general, older people face many challenges, including poor access to healthcare, lack of social protection and universal pension. The vulnerabilities of older people with diabetes double, and they find it very hard to manage the disease. As the population in Pakistan ages, the number of older people living with diabetes is expected to increase, making it important to focus on improving access to healthcare services and diabetes management for this vulnerable population.

It is also critical to mention that a high proportion of diabetic patients are living a life without even knowing that they have the disease, as they have never received a diagnosis. These patients run the danger of severe and sometimes fatal complications like heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and lower limb amputation when the disease is undiagnosed or not appropriately controlled.

Managing diabetes at the individual level requires commitment and effort, but it’s possible to lead a healthy and fulfilling life with the condition. It requires a combination of lifestyle changes and medical interventions. The most important is to follow a healthy balanced diet focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats that can help manage diabetes. It is important to avoid foods high in sugar and saturated fats and limit the intake of processed and packaged foods. The second most important factor is exercise. Regular physical activity can help lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, should be a part of one’s daily routine. People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar regularly and should take the medicines as prescribed.

It is important to highlight the urgent need for effective prevention and management strategies. To address the growing diabetes epidemic in Pakistan, a multi-pronged approach is needed. This includes raising awareness and promoting healthy lifestyles through education campaigns; implementing policies to improve access to healthy foods and physical activity; and strengthening healthcare systems to ensure that people with diabetes have access to the care and medication they need.

The government needs to develop and implement a comprehensive policy and programme for diabetes prevention and management and tackle this alarming situation before it gets too late. Countries around the world have taken strict actions and managed to control the prevalence. For example, Mexico implemented a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages to reduce consumption and prevent diabetes. France, in 2016, became the first country to ban free refills in restaurants in an effort to combat obesity and diabetes. South Africa, in 2019, became the first African country to introduce a tax on sugary drinks. Saudi Arabia introduced a tax on sugary drinks and tobacco products to reduce the prevalence of diabetes. There is also a dire need for community-based intervention aimed at preventing diabetes. This intervention should include counselling for healthy behaviours, as well as raising awareness and sensitisation. The government can also work on subsidising blood sugar testing through a public-private partnership approach.

The author is a communications specialist and a freelance writer. He is based in Rawalpindi and can be reached at qureshiwaqas@gmail.com. He tweets @qureshiwaqasA