‘Exercise essential for controlling diabetes’

Dozens of cyclists from across the city participated in a diabetes awareness exercise under the banner of Cycologists in Clifton on Saturday, which was organised in connection with World Diabetes Day, celebrated on November 14 every year.

The cycling event was aimed to highlight the importance of cycling and other physical activities in preventing and controlling the disease.

The participants of the cycle rally included men, women and children of all ages, who covered the distance of 18 kilometres in half an hour.

They stressed the importance of physical exertion in burning extra calories, living a healthy life and preventing ailments such as diabetes, hypertension and ischemic heart disease, among others.

Diabetologist Dr Ashraf Memon, speaking on the occasion, termed early morning walks, jogging and cycling as the healthiest activities, adding that thousands of people were becoming obese in cities like Karachi and subsequently developing diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

"Diabetes is a lifestyle disease which means that our sedentary lifestyle, unbalanced diet and habits are seriously affecting our health," he explained. "We need to give ourselves at least one hour daily where we exercise to burn extra calories."

Highlighting the importance of consuming a balanced diet, Dr Memon said there was a need to promote the habit of eating vegetables and fruits among children. He also urged parents to discourage them from drinking juices, both fresh and packaged.

Meanwhile, Cycologists leader Asaad Zaheer stated that unfortunately, the majority of adults in Karachi were either diabetic or pre-diabetic.

"We want to promote this activity [cycling] as much as possible so that people can prevent themselves from developing serious health conditions like diabetes," said Zaheer. "We are trying to promote cycling among children too, as childhood obesity is on the rise in Pakistan, especially Karachi."

Meanwhile, a diabetes screening camp was set up outside Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST), where people were checked for diabetes, hypertension and their body mass index.

The event was a result of a collaboration of various organisations, including Pakistan Endocrine Society, SZABIST, Rotary and pharmaceutical firm Pharmevo.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 15^th, 2020.