KARACHI: Pakistan has emerged as the country with the highest diabetes prevalence in the world, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas 2025. The report reveals that 30.8% of Pakistan’s adult population is living with diabetes, a figure that is three times higher than the global average. This alarming statistic signals a growing public health crisis that demands immediate attention.
The IDF report highlights that globally, 589 million adults aged 20 to 79 are living with diabetes, which is equivalent to one in every nine people. The majority of these cases are concentrated in Asian countries, with Pakistan, China, and India topping the list. Pakistan’s diabetes burden has reached 36 million people, with experts warning that this number will continue to rise unless drastic measures are taken to curb the disease.
In response to the findings, Dr. Nelson Azeem, Parliamentary Secretary for Health, has emphasized the need for lifestyle changes to address the country’s diabetes crisis. “Lifestyle changes, regular exercise, and improved dietary habits are essential to curb this rising trend,” he stated. The government has also ensured the free provision of diabetes medication but stressed the importance of reducing sugary drinks and fast food consumption as preventive measures.
The IDF report shows that diabetes cases in Pakistan have increased significantly over the past five years and are projected to rise further in the next five years if no corrective action is taken. Public health experts are particularly concerned about the growing number of undiagnosed diabetes cases, with 252 million people worldwide unaware of their condition, putting them at greater risk for complications.
To combat this growing issue, awareness initiatives have been launched across schools, colleges, and universities in Pakistan, alongside public health campaigns and community walks aimed at prevention. Dr. Azeem called for greater efforts to educate the public on managing diabetes, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to tackle the disease.
The global diabetes crisis is a major public health challenge, with diabetes care now costing over one trillion dollars annually. The rapid rise in cases, particularly in Asian countries like Pakistan, India, and China, has made diabetes a top priority for governments and health organizations worldwide.
