World Diabetes Day at NIDE, DUHS
By Dr. Sabiha Banu
KARACHI: The National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology (NIDE), Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), organized a significant event to mark World Diabetes Day on 14th November 2024 with the theme Diabetes and well Being. It was attended by a large number of faculty members, students, people with diabetes as well as their family members.
National Institute of Diabetes & Endocrinology (NIDE) at DUHS celebrated the World Diabetes Day on November 14th 2024. Photograph shows sitting on the dais from (L to R) Prof. Jahan Ara Ainuddin Pro VC, Prof. Saeed Quraishy VC of Dow University of Health Sciences respectively, Prof. Musarrat Riaz and Prof. Iftikhar, Principal DIMC while on right is a view of the participants.
The event commenced with a public awareness walk symbolizing the importance of proactive efforts in combating diabetes followed by an interactive session for general public including diabetic patients.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saeed Quraishy, Vice Chancellor DUHS addressing the participants highlighted the alarming rise in diabetes prevalence in Pakistan, from 33 million to 36 million, stressing the urgent need to raise awareness about preventing the disease at all levels. He emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to diabetes care, beyond focusing solely on blood sugar control, and underscored the role of physical activity in tackling the epidemic. Prof. Dr. Jahan Ara (Pro Vice Chancellor), highlighted the importance of educating the general community, alongside hospital-based interventions. Prof. Dr. Iftikhar, Principal DIMC, encouraged healthier dietary habits and cultural shifts toward better food choices.
Earlier Dr. Musarrat Riaz (HOD NIDE) in her welcome address stated that although we celebrate world diabetes day on 14th November every year, the alarming rise in diabetes and associated co morbidities warrants us to raise awareness about diabetes throughout the year and not just limiting it to one day. She outlined various preventive strategies and future programs from the platform of NIDE to curb the diabetes epidemic.
The event featured free services for people with diabetes, including glucometer readings, BMI calculations, foot exams (with Ankle-Brachial Index and neurothesiometer assessments). Patients received counseling on diabetes management and lifestyle changes, while their concerns and myths were addressed by NIDE faculty, namely Dr Hasan, Dr Umer, Dr. Nida, Dr. Farah and Dr. Faryal, Ms. Tehmina (Clinical Dietitian) and diabetes educators.
The event was a testament to NIDE’s commitment to raising awareness and providing comprehensive care to address the diabetes challenge in Pakistan. (PR)
