ISLAMABAD: Health experts on Thursday expressed grave concern about the rising number of diabetic patients in the country.
They emphasized the importance of raising community awareness through the media to reduce sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eating patterns, and a lack of physical activity, some of the main controllable factors that can help prevent the disease.
According to a Lahore specialist, Dr. Uneeba Syed, “the majority of these cases are type 2 diabetes, which is mostly preventable through a balanced diet, frequent physical activity, and the adoption of healthy living environments.” She stated that because of obesity, teenagers receiving diabetes diagnoses had become commonplace in Pakistan, where the number of people living with the disease was rising while the average age at which people were developing it was declining.
To avoid diabetes complications and obtain healthy results, early diagnosis and treatment are essential, the expert continued. “Highly processed foods that are high in calories but low in vitamins, minerals, and fiber break down quickly in the body and can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels,” she said. Children should be encouraged to consume nutrient-dense foods containing fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and lean meats. In addition, parents should restrict their children’s consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages like soda and frozen drinks.
She responded, “Body fat and excess weight are major risk factors for getting type 2 diabetes.” According to her, Pakistan has the highest percentage of diabetic patients globally. She asked the government, the food sector, communities, families, schools, healthcare providers, and schools to collaborate to control the disease. “All forms of diabetes are equally dangerous, and if they are not properly managed, they can result in life-threatening complications.” —APP
