'Pakistan faces diabetes emergency'

 Pakistan is considered one of the global epicentres of diabetes, and prevalence of the disease continues to rise steadily across the country.

The country ranks third in the world in terms of the highest number of diabetes patients. There is an urgent need for the public to change lifestyles in order to counter this growing health crisis, speakers stressed at a seminar.

The seminar was organised by Prof Dr M Zaman Shaikh, Chair, National Diabetes Chapter, Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine (PSIM), and Sir Syed College of Medical Sciences, Karachi, in collaboration with the Express Media Group. Professor Javed Akram was the chief guest and Professor Aftab Mohsin guest of honour. The event was sponsored by ICan, Atco Group, High-Q, Barrett Hodgson Pakistan Pvt Ltd, Scilife, Martin Dow, Getz Pharma, Highnoon Laboratories Limited and Servier.

The theme of the seminar was "Diabetes and Wellbeing" and participants from various walks of life attended. Dr Somia Iqtadar served as the facilitator, while leading medical professionals spoke in detail on different aspects of diabetes, its complications and preventive measures, and guided participants on effective disease management.