09 December 2004	Thursday	26 Shawwal 1425

KARACHI, Dec 8: Pakistan is facing an alarming rise in diabetes with about 30 per cent of local children obese and 14.2 per cent of below 40 years population at threshold of being inflicted with Diabetes Mellitus Type-II in the next few years.

Speakers at a seminar, organized under the aegis of Dow University of Health Sciences here on Wednesday to commemorate the World Diabetes Day, attributed the scenario to sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy dietary trends among both rural and urban populations.

According to them, it is in the very backdrop that the diabetic population pertaining to varied age groups is currently estimated to be seven million in Pakistan which in the next 20 years would surge to no less than 15 million.

Regarding efficient primary prevention among high risk population groups, it was reminded that established studies reflected clear evidence of 58 per cent decline in the possible incidence through modified lifestyle while 31 per cent reduction on basis of adequate medical therapy.

The Pakistan Diabetic Association's president, Prof Samad Shera; JPMC Director, Prof Mashoor Alam; Prof M. Zaman Sheikh of Medicine Department, Civil Hospital Karachi; Prof Nusrat Khan of Gynaecology and Obstetric Department, Civil Hospital Karachi; Dr Abdul Basit of Baqai Medical University; Dr Abdul Jabbar and Dr Niaz Sheikh of Aga Khan University presented their respective papers on the occasion.

Highlighting severe consequences and associated complications of the ailment, further studies were presented at the seminar showing high risk of diabetic population being struck with retinopathy and ultimately blindness, neuropathy, renal failure, peripheral vascular diseases, foot ulcerations and amputations and impotency.

Economic implications of the disease and the financial burden imposed upon patients were also discussed on the occasion. According to Prof Mashkoor Alam, dialysis costs no less than Rs120,000 per year while those undergoing cataract surgery have to bear Rs5000 and above.

These were said to be besides the cost incurred on procurement of drugs for control of blood sugar levels, insulin and syringes. As for indirect cost, Prof Mashoor Alam reminded that quality of life was extremely compromised gravely affecting the working and consequently the earning capacities of the patients with direct impact on family members of the latter.

Dr Zaman Sheikh referred to rampant misconceptions regarding efficacy of varied natural products to treat diabetes. Underscoring need for proper coordination and mutual trust between physicians and doctors, Dr Abdul Jabbar urged adequate management of the diseases. He reminded of the Psychological Insulin Resistance which landed the patient in the utmost state of disbelief that he might have the disease.

According to him, it is on part of doctors to make the patients realize that the beta cells have stopped working to its optimum in their case and that it is irreversible. "We ought to make them realize that insulin is the only option for diabetics," he said.

Dr Abdul Basit seeking maximum public awareness about the disease also referred to a provisional study showing 33.3 per cent to 40.2 per cent adult Lyariites to be either already diabetic or holding all chances to become so.

Discussing Gestational Diabetes, Prof Nusrat Khan reminded that 12 per cent to 25 per cent pregnant women were prone to have the very condition while one out of every 250 women report with the same enhancing due realization on part of both doctors and sufferers about the importance of proper management. -APP