About half of the people in Pakistan who die with diabetesrelated complications are below 60 years, they added. PHOTO: FILE
These views were shared by Aga Khan University (AKU) section-head and consultant endocrinologist Dr Jaweed Akhter on Sunday during a seminar at the AKU to mark World Diabetes Day.
“Pre-diabetes is a condition where the blood sugar is above normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. The progression to diabetes can be checked via good diet and regular exercise,” said Dr Akhter.
He was of the view that many of the complications can be avoided as studies have shown that even small improvements in glucose control can lead to significant reduction in the complications.
The speakers said that once the disease develops, there is significant reduction in the capacity of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and diabetes tends to progress. If not controlled, diabetes-related complications could affect eyes, kidneys, nerves, blood supply and the heart.
Unfortunately, a very high population, about half of the people in Pakistan who die with diabetes-related complications are below 60 years, they added.
The experts pointed out that up to 58 per cent reduction in the development of diabetes could be achieved if pre-diabetes state was controlled effectively.
AKU consultant endocrinologist Dr Asma Ahmed said, “Pre-diabetes screening is also an early warning for overweight people to get tested, especially if they suffer from other additional risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high triglycerides or a family history of diabetes.” Prof Najmul Islam, a consultant endocrinologist, discussed ways of countering diabetes.
He emphasised that by adhering to standard care for high sugar levels, cholesterol and blood pressure, many complications could be reduced or completely avoided, adding that the key was to detect the complications early.
In addition to screening, one of the vital management strategies to combat diabetes is the maintenance of good dietary habits. “A healthy diet can significantly improve blood glucose and assist in weight control for most patients,” said AKU clinical nutritionist Moti Khan.
According to experts, four out of every five diabetics worldwide are living in middle or low income countries and half of them are unaware of their condition. Screening for pre-diabetes is one essential step in combating the disease as more than 10 per cent of the people with pre-diabetic state become diabetic within three years.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 12th,2013.
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