‘Eyes on Diabetes’: ‘Diabetes has the potential to become a global health issue’

Cricket legend Wasim Akram participates in World Diabetes Day walk

With increasing levels of poor nutrition and physical inactivity among people, type 2 diabetes has the potential to become a global public health issue, leading to serious health problems.

One out of every two adults currently living with diabetes is undiagnosed. Those at risk of developing it in future must ensure early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes complications.

This was said by Wasim Akram, the cricket legend and chief guest at a walk organised by Shifa International Hospital, highlighting this year’s theme ‘Eyes on Diabetes - Act Today to Change Tomorrow’.

A large number of doctors, Shifa employees, citizens with their families and university students participated in the event. The participants were holding placards and banners inscribed with encouraging slogans for diabetic patients and awareness quotes, said a press release.



Wasim Akram informed the audience that a one kilometre daily walk and diet control was his routine for many years.

He said that public awareness is very important for timely diagnosis and treatment of this disease and that unhealthy diets and physical inactivity are key risk factors for the diabetes. He thanked the media for supporting the cause and helping Shifa in creating community awareness.

SIH Chief Executive Officer Dr Manzoorul Haq Qazi said that the objective behind arranging an awareness walk was to educate people about diabetes disease and its prevention and control.  He highlighted the importance of diet in treatment of diabetes.

Consultant Endocrinologist Dr Tayyab Badshah said that only 24 endocrinologists are available in Pakistan.

He also underlined factors affecting the diet of diabetic patients such as type of diabetes, complications, medications, blood sugar control, previous medical history, height, weight, age, gender, dietary history, eating patterns, favourite foods and their allergies and physical activity.

A balanced diet, regular exercise, weight control, regular medication and proper monitoring tests are a few essential measures that can help in preventing diabetes and its complications.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 17^th, 2016.