So far primary treatment for Type-1 diabetes is lifelong
insulin therapy-Prof. Zaman Sheikh
KARACHI: Diabetes is a long-term disease that is difficult to manage and expensive to treat. Right now, 537 million people around the world have diabetes. The IDF predicts that by 2045, this number will increase to 783 million, a 46% rise globally. This was stated by Prof. Abdul Basit, Secretary General of Diabetic Association of Pakistan while speaking at a World Diabetes Day meeting organized by Diabetic Association of Pakistan at a local hotel here recently.
Prof. Jamil Ahmed (third from left) speaking at the World Diabetes Day meeting organized by DAP recently. Picture also shows other speakers,
panelists sitting on the dais.
A recent IDF survey Prof. Basit stated has found that 77% of people with diabetes have experienced anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems. Unfortunately, diabetes care often does not include enough focus on mental health. Everyone with diabetes or pre-diabetes deserves high-quality care, education, and emotional support to live a healthy life.
Prof. M. Zaman Shaikh, Vice President Academics, DAP discussed “New Developments in Type 1 Diabetes” which is one of the most common life-long childhood illnesses and its incidence is on the rise. Insulin remains the only treatment of type 1 diabetes. No treatment has been shown to safely prevent diabetes in humans although islet cell transplantation and new immunosuppressive regimens show that disease can be prevented or even cured in future. There is no definitive cure for type 1 diabetes currently. The primary treatment for type-1 diabetes is lifelong insulin therapy. However, significant advancements are stem cell therapy, islet cell transplantation, and immunosuppressive therapies, promising for the future.
Prof. Waqar Hussain Kazmi, President, SSWAB Trust talked about “Diabetes Kidney Disease”. DKD, he stated is common in people with diabetes and often develops slowly and silently. Approximately one in three adults with diabetes have kidney disease. Many people with diabetes, also develop high blood pressure which can damage kidneys too. People can help to keep their kidneys healthy by managing blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, he added.
Dr. Nazish Waris who was one of the speakers at the World Diabetes Day meeting organized by DAP earned the first prize is receiving the prize from the organizers. Others seen in the picture include Prof. Shabeen Naz Masood, Prof. Zaman Sheikh, Prof. Abdul Basit and others.
Dr. Somia Iqtadar, from King Edward Medical University, Lahore presented updates in the management of Type-2 Diabetes. IDF she said has recommended that all people at high risk of developing type-2 diabetes should be screened and identified. In the initial stage, weight reduction and regular activity is the primary advice. People with type-2 diabetes are advised to regularly monitor their blood glucose to prevent fluctuations, regular eye checkup, adequate foot care and some sugar available at hand for emergency in case of low sugar episodes. Insulin is mandatory when oral anti-diabetic drugs fail to control high blood sugar.
Prof Shabeen Naz Masood, Joint Secretary of the DAP presented the vote of thanks at the end of the scientific session. In the evening open session was organized for the people with Diabetes. Mian Mukhtar Ahmed, President of DAP commended the efforts of DAP towards the improvement of diabetes care in Pakistan. He emphasized on prevention and best management of diabetes to avoid complications. The public awareness session was facilitated by Prof. Abdul Basit, Prof. M. Zaman Shaikh, Prof. M. Saleh Memon, Prof. Khair-un-Nisa Nizam, and Prof. Shabeen Naz, who interacted with the persons of diabetes and answered their queries. (PR)
