ISLAMABAD: With an estimated 33 million adults living with diabetes, including more than one million people relying on insulin, Pakistan faces a major challenge in ensuring consistent and affordable access to the essential medicine.
Novo Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting people living with diabetes, pledging to work with healthcare professionals, policymakers and patient communities to help maintain continuity of treatment.
Read Also: What is Diabetes? How Can We Prevent It? What is the Cure?
In a statement issued on Thursday, the company acknowledged concerns surrounding insulin access and stressed the importance of reliable supplies for patients and their families.
Mehtaz Sultan Khan, general manager of Novo Pakistan, said diabetes care had been central to the company’s mission for more than a century, adding that ensuring dependable access to treatment remained a priority.
“For people who depend on insulin, reliable access to treatment is essential. We recognise the concerns being raised and are stepping up to play our part in supporting patients in Pakistan,” she said.
Collaboration needed to improve diabetes care
Novo Pakistan said it would continue working with healthcare professionals, policymakers and patient communities to strengthen diabetes care and address the country’s growing disease burden.
The company advised patients concerned about the availability of their prescribed insulin to consult healthcare professionals about appropriate next steps. Patients should not change or discontinue prescribed treatment without medical advice.
Read Also: Okra Magic: The Miracle Pod That Helps Fight Diabetes
Key Statistics: Pakistan’s diabetes burden
- 33 million people: Estimated number of people living with diabetes in Pakistan, according to the figures provided by the company statement.
- More than one million: People reported to rely on insulin.
- 4%: Age-standardised diabetes prevalence among adults aged 20–79 in Pakistan, according to the International Diabetes Federation’s 2025 Diabetes Atlas.
- 5 million: Estimated number of Pakistani adults aged 20–79 living with diabetes in 2024, according to the IDF.
- 7 million: Estimated number of adults aged 20–79 living with diabetes worldwide in 2024.
- 2 million: Projected number of adults with diabetes in Pakistan by 2050, which would place the country third globally by total cases if current projections hold.
Diabetes often develops quietly; but its impact can change the lives of individuals and entire families.
The Prime Minister National Program for Prevention of Diabetes, with a total project cost of Rs 6.8 billion, places prevention at the centre of the national health agenda. By encouraging greater awareness and healthier everyday choices, the programme can help families understand diabetes risk before serious complications develop.
Aligned with the Equity; Education, Health & Population pillar of URAAN Pakistan, this initiative reflects an important development priority: building a healthier nation by investing in prevention today.
#PSDP2026_27 #URAANPakistan #DiabetesPrevention #PublicHealth #HealthierPakistan
— M/o Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (@PlanComPakistan) October 21, 2026
Top 10 countries by number of adults living with diabetes
According to the IDF Diabetes Atlas 2025, the following countries had the largest estimated numbers of adults aged 20–79 living with diabetes in 2024:
- China: 148.0 million
- India: 89.8 million
- United States: 38.5 million
- Pakistan: 34.5 million
- Indonesia: 20.4 million
- Brazil: 16.6 million
- Bangladesh: 13.9 million
- Mexico: 13.6 million
- Egypt: 13.2 million
- Japan: 10.8 million
