ISLAMABAD: Medical experts on Monday stressed the need for early diagnosis of Type II diabetes and treatment to reduce the risk of developing serious complications.

Addressing a seminar on World Diabetes Day at Shifa International Hospital they observed healthier lifestyles could prevent 70pc of Type II diabetes cases.

The day is observed on every Nov 14 with a goal to giving awareness to people about the disease and involving them in physical activities because it was the only way to keep the disease away.

In Type II cases insulin is made by the human body but it is not sufficient to meet the body’s requirement.

Screening for complications termed important for treatment

This year, the theme of the day was “Eyes on Diabetes”.

Consultant Endocrinologist Dr. Tayyab Badshah while speaking on the occasion said screening for diabetes complications was an important part of effective management of the disease to ensure good health.

He said that 415 million worldwide adults were living with diabetes in 2015. Careful management of diabetes and screening for diabetic eye disease can help prevent visual impairment and blindness. More than 93 million adults, or one in three, currently living with diabetes have diabetic retinopathy.

He said early detection and timely treatment of diabetic retinopathy can prevent vision loss and reduce the impact of diabetes on individuals and society.

Many people live with Type II diabetes for a long period of time without being aware of their condition, he said.

Dr Usama Ishtiaq said 1 in 2 (46pc) people with diabetes were not diagnosed. Diabetes caused 5 million deaths in 2015, which means a person died from diabetes every six seconds.

He said Pakistan ranked 10th in diabetes prevalence, with over 7 million diabetic patients between 20 to 79 years of age.

He said 86,000 children suffer from type-1 diabetes (their bodies do not produce insulin at all) every year. Worldwide more than 20.9 million live births were affected by diabetes during pregnancy in 2015 means 1 in 7 births.

“Balanced diet, regular exercise, weight control, regular medication and proper blood glucose level tests are a few essential factors that can help control diabetes and avoid complications,” he recommended.

Podiatrist (foot and ankle specialist) Ms Aisha Wajahat said many people with diabetes knew they had to take care of their feet. “Understanding foot problems will help you take action to prevent them,” he added.

She added prolonged high blood glucose levels can cause damage to different areas of your body including your feet and legs. High blood glucose can cause damage to your long nerves and blood vessels. Damage to your nerves is sometimes called neuropathy.

“Any injury or hard skin has the potential of developing something more serious if you have diabetes. Damage to the skin in people with diabetes doesn’t heal easily and can cause ulcer on your foot. An ulcer is a wound or sore that takes a long time to heal,” she said.

“Develop your own daily foot care routine, wear the right shoes and socks and take care of your feet. Three steps can be done in three minutes i.e. check your feet, wash them with warm water and soap and moisturize,” she advised.

Meanwhile, buildings in the city were made blue to create awareness of diabetes. The blue circle is the universal symbol for diabetes. The blue colour represents the sky, referring to the global nature of this epidemic.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2016