Key Points
- Today marks World Diabetes Day, raising awareness of diabetes prevention and management.
- President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq, and Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani issued messages on the occasion.
- Officials emphasised early detection, healthy lifestyle, and access to medical care as crucial in combating diabetes.
- Health experts underscore the rising prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan and the importance of public education.
ISLAMABAD: World Diabetes Day is being observed today (November 14), drawing attention to a health condition that affects millions worldwide and raising questions many Pakistanis may have: What exactly is diabetes? How can it be prevented, and is there a cure?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body does not produce sufficient insulin or cannot effectively utilise the insulin it generates. This results in elevated blood sugar levels, which can cause serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves over time.
Prevention of diabetes largely revolves around adopting a healthy lifestyle. Experts recommend a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, coupled with regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight. Avoiding tobacco, limiting sugary foods, and controlling stress levels are also critical preventive measures. Routine health check-ups can detect early warning signs and allow for timely intervention.
While there is no definitive cure for diabetes, the condition can be effectively managed through medication, insulin therapy when necessary, lifestyle modification, and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels. Proper management enables patients to lead normal, active lives and significantly reduces the risk of complications.
President Asif Ali Zardari, in a message on World Diabetes Day, urged citizens to be aware of the risks and encouraged regular health check-ups. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the government’s commitment to improving diabetes care and access to medications.
Speaker of the National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq emphasised that awareness, timely diagnosis, and access to treatment are essential, adding that a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, and regular exercise can prevent diabetes. Chairman of the Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani underscored that combating diabetes requires collective action, strong policies, public awareness campaigns, and education on early detection.
Internationally, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the global impact of diabetes, noting that it is one of the fastest-growing non-communicable diseases. He calls for coordinated global efforts in prevention, education, and access to adequate healthcare. He urged nations to invest in early detection, healthy lifestyle promotion, and equitable access to treatment to mitigate the socioeconomic burden of diabetes worldwide.
On this World Diabetes Day, the focus is not only on awareness but also on prompting action—empowering people to understand the disease, make lifestyle changes, and seek medical guidance when needed. Public health campaigns aim to equip Pakistanis with the knowledge to detect early warning signs and manage the condition effectively.
