“We dislike eating simple food, such as vegetables, and prefer fast food,” said Dr Qamar Masood at a press conference called ‘Protect Our Future’ at the Karachi Press Club on Wednesday.
Prof. Zaman Shaikh, the executive member of the society, stressed that better environment can also reduce chances of diabetes. “There is a lack of recreational parks and grounds. Such facilities are imperative to ensure that the future generation is physically and mentally fit,” he said.
DUHS celebrates World Diabetes Day
A walk, a public awareness programme and a free health camp marked the World Diabetes Day celebrations at the Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) Ojha Campus on Wednesday.
The international diabetes day is celebrated on November 14 every year around the world as a call to encourage governments to implement and strengthen policies against diabetes and its complications.
In 2009, Pakistan was ranked 7th most diabetic nation and at that time, the International Diabetes Federation anticipated that the country will jump to 4th position in 2030 with a diabetic population of 13.8 million, said the DUHS National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology director, Prof. M Zaman Shaikh. Efforts to raise public awareness about diabetes have paid off as Pakistan does not fall in the top 10 counties currently.
There are many misconceptions about insulin therapy, said the general secretary of Diabetes Association of Pakistan, Prof A. Samad Shera. “It is thought as the last stage of treatment although actually it is the first stage,” he added. Insulin is a life-saving drug, as oral drugs fail due to the progressive nature of the disease.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 15th, 2012.
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