The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has revealed in its latest 2025 report that Pakistan has topped the list of countries with the highest prevalence of diabetes. In Pakistan, the spread of diabetes among the adult population has reached 30.8 percent, a situation the global body has termed extremely alarming.
According to experts, this rate is three times higher than the global average, indicating a major public health crisis in the country.
According to the IDF report published in Gulf News, global spending on diabetes treatment has reached one trillion dollars. As stated in the report, this issue is becoming a major and complex challenge for many countries in the coming years.
According to the Diabetes Atlas released in August 2025, 589 million adults aged 20 to 79 worldwide are currently living with diabetes, meaning one out of every nine people is affected. Among them, 252 million people remain undiagnosed and are facing severe complications without treatment.
The new global report states that the number of diabetic patients worldwide is rapidly increasing, with the highest number of cases reported in Asian countries.
According to the report, China, India, and Pakistan have become the top three countries with the highest number of diabetic patients in the world.
Statistics show that China ranks first with 148 million patients. India is second with 101 million patients. Pakistan has reached third place globally with 36 million diabetic patients.
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease in which blood sugar levels rise because the body either fails to produce insulin or cannot use it effectively.
In this regard, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Dr. Nelson Azeem said that the number of diabetic patients in Pakistan has increased to 40 percent. Preventing this disease requires lifestyle changes, exercise, and improved eating habits.
He said the number of diabetic patients in Pakistan has increased compared to the last five years and will continue to rise over the next five years if lifestyle habits are not changed. The government is ensuring the free provision of diabetes medicines, but to prevent the disease, it is necessary to avoid sugary drinks and fast food.
He added that awareness campaigns have been launched at the school, college, and university levels, and walks are also organized regularly to spread awareness about the disease.
