KARACHI, Nov 5: On the occasion of the World Diabetes Day, a diabetes awareness campaign is celebrated each year on Nov 14.
This year’s theme is ‘Your eyes and diabetes: Don’t lose sight of risks’.
The Aga Khan University Hospital arranged a “continuing medical education programme” for the healthcare professionals on Monday and a public health awareness programme — signs, symptoms and care — on Tuesday.
Dr Sohail Ahmed, a consultant ophthalmologist, said “Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the working age group.”
This is due to diabetic retinopathy, a complication affecting the retina of the eyes, mostly in uncontrolled diabetics, whether they are treated with insulin tablets or diet only. A proper eye examination yearly by a diabetologist or an ophthalmologist will allow for early detection.
Retinopathy is treated by laser treatment, but it is not a miracle cure and will not help in restoring vision that has already been lost but can stop further damage.
Prof A. Samad Shera, honorary president International Diabetes Federation, said the complications of diabetes are greatly feared both by patients, parents and other members of the family.
The earliest changes of diabetic complications are only detectable on careful clinical or laboratory examinations and changes have to be fairly advanced before patient is aware of it.
The emphasis has now changed from treatment of established complications to screening early detection and aggressive early treatment.
Dr Najmul Islam, a consultant endocrinologist, discussed a case of teenaged diabetic, highlighting the point that helps the physician in deciding which type of diabetes the patient has.
He informed the audience that type 2 diabetes, a variety of diabetes that effects adults and grown-ups, was affecting children more often now and was a cause of great concern. This increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes in children is the result of lifestyle changes, leading to obesity in this age group.
Dr Lubna Zuberi, a consultant endocrinologist, discussed a case of diabetes in a pregnant woman — gestational diabetes. She dealt with practical aspects of managing diabetes in this group, stressing the point of excellent control to avoid complications in the baby and the mother.
According to the WHO, the diabetic population in the world is projected to rise to 300 million by 2025.—APP
