KARACHI: A round-the-clock diabetic foot helpline has been launched to provide immediate guidance and referrals for millions of people with diabetes who develop foot wounds, ulcers, and infections.

Experts warned that delays in treatment are contributing to nearly 300,000 amputations annually — about 34 every hour.

The helpline, 0330-6666774, was launched by the Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology (BIDE) during the three-day International Conference on Diabetes & Diabetic Foot 2026.

The conference concluded on Sunday after bringing together Pakistani and international experts in diabetes and diabetic foot management.

BIDE Director Prof Zahid Miyan said more than three million people in Pakistan are living with diabetes-related foot wounds and many amputations could be prevented if patients received appropriate advice, referral, and treatment before wounds and infections became severe.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2026