ISLAMABAD: There are 27.4 million patients with diabetes in Pakistan which means one in four people above age 20 are diabetic.

Such high prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan calls for continued efforts to improve public awareness on diabetes care and treatment, so these alarming figures may be curbed.

This was stated by Polyclinic Executive Director (ED) Dr Shahid Hanif while speaking to participants of an event held in the hospital, in connection with World Diabetes Day.

Dr Hanif said that diabetes is one of the largest global health emergencies of the 21st century.

Many countries are still unaware of the social and economic impact of diabetes. This lack of understanding is the biggest barrier to effective prevention strategies that could help halt the inexorable rise of Type-2 diabetes.

Diabetologist Dr Gohar Ali emphasized on the prevention and better management of diabetes. He shared the number of diabetics managed in the hospital and the number is growing every year. The establishment of specialised diabetic clinics will help the diabetics to maintain quality of life.

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2018