KARACHI: Diabetes is a persistent and debilitating health condition, imposing significant financial burdens on both individuals and healthcare systems. In Pakistan, a staggering 33 million people currently live with diabetes, and projections indicate that this number could surge to 62 million by the year 2045. This was stated by Prof. Abdul Basit Secretary General, Diabetic Association of Pakistan (DAP) while speaking at a scientific session during World Diabetes Day function organized by Diabetic Association of Pakistan, at a local hotel in Karachi on November 19th, 2023.
Dr. Somia Iqtadar, and Dr. Munira Abbasi, speaking at a scientific session during World Diabetes Day Function organized by DAP, in Karachi on November 19th, 2023.
Prof. Abdul Basit introduced the theme of the World Diabetes Day “Access to Diabetes Care” and this year’s campaign slogan “Know your risk of diabetes and your response”. To combat the growing diabetes challenge in Pakistan, it is imperative to implement effective measures for mitigating the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Central to this initiative is the promotion of a nationwide screening program that utilizes the RAPID score, a scientifically validated tool designed to assess individual diabetes risk by considering parameters such as age, waist circumference, and a positive family history of diabetes. With a score equal to or greater than four indicating an individual’s risk of developing diabetes. It is crucial for all stakeholders to unite and take decisive action now. Through this collective effort, we can significantly advance our endeavors to address the diabetes challenge and enhance public health for everyone.
Prof. Muhammad Yakoob Ahmedani, talked about “Diabetes and Ramadan”. He said fasting throughout the month of Ramadan is one of Islam’s five pillars for all healthy Muslim adults and adolescents. People with diabetes must be careful while fasting for long hours. Managing diabetes during Ramadan involve a multidisciplinary approach. For safe fasting they must seek advice from healthcare provider regarding diet, exercise, insulin dosage and medication adjustments. While fasting diabetics must monitor their blood sugar levels regularly as they are at risk of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Dehydration is a common and serious risk so maintain proper body fluids. Lemon water, fresh water and Lassi are best. A spoonful of yogurt after Sehri meal is best for health. Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea. Avoid high sugar, calories dense foods. Avoid 3S Salty, Spicy and Sugary foods. Moderate exercise is allowed. Insulin can be continued during fasting if properly titrated to the patient’s needs. If certain symptoms such as low sugar(below 70 mg/dL), high sugar (above 300 mg/dL), dehydration or acute illness occur the fast should be broken. It is crucial that medical staff educate patients about safe fasting to minimize the difficulties during fasting.
Dr. Munira Abbasi, Faculty Adjunct Riphah Institute of Lifestyle Medicine, Islamabad discussed “Life Style Modification (LSM)”. Diabetes, she stated is preventable by adopting healthy life style. People at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes should be identified. Risk factors are age, waist circumference, family history, prediabetic, cardiovascular, gestational and hormonal history. Early detection and timely intervention are key to prevent the diabetes and complications of diabetes.
Dr. Somia Iqtadar, highlighted “Navigating the Journey of Hyperglycemia in Pregnancy with Technology”. She said. GDM is one of the most common medical condition in pregnancy. One in six live births (21 million) are affected by high blood glucose in pregnancy. If resistance of maternal insulin action becomes too pronounced, maternal hyperglycemic occurs and GDM may be diagnosed. It can happen at any stage of pregnancy but more common in 2nd and 3rd trimester. GDM is associated with an increased risk of baby growing larger than usual (birth more than 4kg) polyhydramnios, premature birth, preeclampsia, jaundice, still birth.
Prof. Zainab Samad, from Aga Khan University discussed “NCD Burden and Role of Multiple Stakeholders”. She said Non communicable diseases (NCDs) also known as chronic diseases are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioral factors. The main types of NCDs are cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. NCDs kill 41 million people each year, of all NCDs death 77% are in low and middle income countries. Diabetes account for 2 million (including kidney disease deaths caused by diabetes) death annually. To prevent NCDs focus on reducing risk factors associated with these disease. Early detection and timely intervention should be at primary health care. Management of NCDs includes detecting, screening and treating these disease and providing access to palliative care for people in need.
Prof. M. Zaman Shaikh introduced recent developments at the DAP which includes Laser Treatment and Intravitreal Injection, Diabetic Foot clinic and Pedograph to promote prevention of Diabetic Foot. Gestational Diabetes Clinic is also being established while Cataract Surgeries will start soon, he added.
Chief guest Lt Gen (R) Moin Uddin Haider, HI (M) applauded Diabetic Association of Pakistan’s efforts towards the improvement of diabetes care in Pakistan. He emphasized on the prevention and best management of diabetes to avoid complications.
