Diabetes is among the fastest spreading diseases in today’s world. It is not merely high sugar levels but a silent disorder that affects several vital systems of the body, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Alarmingly, Pakistan is now among the few countries where the number of diabetes patients has reached a dangerous level.
According to the latest data from the International Diabetes Federation, the prevalence of diabetes among adults (aged 20 to 79) in Pakistan has reached around 31.4 percent, meaning that an estimated 34.5 million Pakistanis are suffering from this disease. These are the diagnosed cases, while millions more remain unaware that they are affected.
This increase is not the result of a single cause. Lack of physical activity, unbalanced diet, obesity, mental stress, and the growing unhealthy urban lifestyle are factors that have allowed diabetes to take root in our social structure. Experts warn that if preventive strategies are not adopted collectively, the disease will spread further in the coming years, affecting not only public health but also the national economy.
A major national survey conducted in Pakistan on diabetes (2016–17) revealed that around 26 percent of the adult population was suffering from diabetes at that time, and the rate has since increased. The survey was conducted by the Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology (BIDE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Pakistan Health Research Council, and the World Health Organization, analyzing blood samples from over 11,000 individuals. Surprisingly, around 7.14 percent of people were found unaware of their condition.
Diabetes is a chronic disease. Its effective control requires a careful diet, planning, regular exercise, or medication. In this disease, the blood sugar level rises beyond the normal limit due to a malfunction in the hormone insulin produced by the pancreas. According to experts, insulin deficiency occurs in two ways:
Reduced or no production of insulin by the pancreas.
Insulin is produced, but the body cannot use it effectively (insulin resistance).
We know that sugar is an essential and constant component of our blood. The carbohydrates in our food are converted into sugar in the intestines and later enter the bloodstream. Most organs of our body use this sugar as fuel, and if sugar is absent or very low, their functioning is affected. In a healthy person, blood sugar levels remain within the limits set by nature, whereas in diabetes, sugar levels rise above normal.
People affected by diabetes may experience the following symptoms, but remember that blood sugar testing is essential for an accurate diagnosis. If a person’s blood sugar exceeds the prescribed limit, they are diabetic, even if symptoms are absent. Similarly, if all symptoms are present but blood sugar is normal, the person does not yet have diabetes.
Symptoms of Diabetes:
Feeling tired
Increased hunger and thirst
Frequent urination
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
Recurrent infections
Blurred vision
Slow healing wounds
Dry, itchy skin
Sexual problems
Types of Diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes: This usually develops in childhood or early age when insulin production naturally decreases. It cannot be treated without insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes: This is the most common type of diabetes. In this condition, the natural insulin produced in the body cannot be used effectively, leading to high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood.
Causes of Type 2 Diabetes:
The exact causes are not fully known, but it commonly occurs in people who:
Are over 40 years old
Are overweight
Have a family history of diabetes
Women who had diabetes during pregnancy
Women who gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
Have high blood pressure
Complications of Diabetes:
Frequent fluctuations in blood sugar levels make it difficult for patients to lead a normal life. If blood sugar remains high for several years, it can damage different parts of the body, leading to heart disease, stroke, vision problems, kidney failure, and nerve damage. Maintaining a consistent normal blood sugar level can reduce both short term and long term complications.
Diabetes and Heart Diseases:
High glucose levels in the blood cause blood vessels to narrow, obstructing the supply of blood to vital organs, particularly the heart and brain. In fact, diabetes patients are almost twice as likely to develop heart diseases as compared to others.
Foot Problems in Diabetes:
Patients with diabetes may suffer from various issues in their lower legs and feet. The most common is nerve damage to the extent that pain or wounds are not felt. Some patients even lose their feet because of untreated injuries due to lack of pain sensation. Therefore, diabetic patients must:
Avoid walking barefoot. Use comfortable, covered shoes that are not tight.
Examine feet daily, using a mirror to check soles to ensure no small wounds are missed.
Maintain regular foot hygiene, including cleaning between the toes.
Consult a doctor immediately in case of any wound, scratch, or splinter.
Diagnosis of Diabetes:
Symptoms of diabetes are often not obvious or appear mildly, such as thirst, dehydration, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, or lethargy. Therefore, diagnosis often happens during routine medical examinations or hospital visits.
Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes:
Current treatments include the following methods:
Dietary changes and moderation
Weight reduction in overweight individuals
Regular exercise and an active lifestyle
Along with these steps, one or more medications or insulin may be required.
Considering the rapid increase in diabetes cases in Pakistan, PIMA launched a nationwide network of free diabetes clinics in 2014. Under this initiative, nearly 20 clinics have been established in various cities where over 3,000 registered patients receive free medicines, screenings, and medical guidance every month. Moreover, educational and informational sessions are regularly held to raise public awareness about diabetes.
These clinics are established in Lahore, Faisalabad, Sadiqabad, Rahim Yar Khan, Pattoki, Jaranwala, Kot Mithan, Sukkur, Khairpur, Matli, Shikarpur, Gulshan-e-Hadeed Karachi, Muzaffarabad, and Mirpur.
