KARACHI, May 31: With the surge in number of diabetics in the country, it is feared that Pakistan will jump to fourth position from the present eighth, in the world by the year 2025.

The disease has also become quite common among children and there is a need to create awareness of the negative impacts of sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary habits, two major reasons behind the recent increase in diabetes in Pakistan.

These views were expressed by Prof Dr Zaman Shaikh, Director, National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology, while speaking at a workshop, the first in the series, on diabetes management organised by the Dow University of Health Sciences at its Professional Development Centre for family physicians.

Dr Shaikh pointed out that the developing countries bore the maximum burden of diabetes.

“Diabetes is a major problem in the US too where its prevalence rate is 6.3 per cent whereas in Pakistan, it is 11 per cent”, he informed the audience.

The expert said that due to hereditary reasons and poor dietary habits, the disease was getting common among children.

He stressed the need for educating the masses on the adverse impacts of sedentary lifestyle, junk and spicy food, soft drinks and sweets. Sports activities, he said, had declined in schools and obesity, a single risk factor for type-2 diabetes, was increasing among children who spent most of their time in front of either computers or TV.

High blood pressure, rise in cholesterol level and obesity are linked to diabetes while its complications including renal and eye problems that can get worse and cause renal failure and loss of eyesight, heart diseases, stroke and gangrene, he warned.

Dr Shaikh said that people should avoid unhealthy food and consume vegetables, fruits, boiled rice, chappati and must adopt a daily routine of brisk walking and light exercise.The workshop included a presentation on drug therapy for type-2 diabetes, demonstration on the use of modern equipment for diagnosis and an interactive session with patients.