Pakistan is also facing the challenge of diabetes with about 33 million of its citizens enduring the burden of Diabetes: PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD, Nov 13 (SABAH): We observe the 14th November as National Diabetes Day, with an objective to highlight awareness about diabetes, its prevention, and management. Today, Pakistan joins the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization to work for the well-being of millions of people with diabetes for a better life. During 2024-26 “Diabetes and Well-being” is the global thematic area of diabetes that calls for focus on access to diabetes care and support for wellbeing. 

Despite numerous advancements in the scientific world, every tenth person is suffering from diabetes. Alarmingly, there are still 50% of diabetic patients undiagnosed and consequently untreated. This further leads to an enhanced burden of uncontrolled diabetic patients with complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, neurological disorders, stroke and blindness.

Pakistan is also facing the challenge of diabetes with about 33 million of our citizens enduring the burden of Diabetes. With this alarming rate, Pakistan is in the list of countries facing the largest diabetic population. An additional 11 million adults in Pakistan have impaired glucose tolerance, while approximately 8 to 9 million persons with diabetes remain undiagnosed. The major risk factors leading to diabetes in Pakistan are environmental and geographical reasons in addition to genetic variants, dietary, as well as inactive lifestyle. 

The Government of Pakistan is fully committed in controlling this escalation and delivering wellbeing to diabetic population. The Government has launched significant health reforms to tackle non-communicable diseases, with a significant prioritization of diabetes. With the support of our partners, the government has developed various programmes to prevent and control diabetes. At the Federal level, we will be launching the “Prime Minister’s Program for Prevention and Control of Diabetes Mellitus” under the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination. Objective of this programme is controlling the disease in federal areas and improving capacities in all provinces for providing universal health coverage, diagnosis, and treatment for diabetic patients, along with raising awareness and behavioral change.

I reiterate that the Government of Pakistan stands committed to the provision of health facilities to all. For a prosperous future, the economy depends on mitigating disease burden and reducing out of pocket expenditure by our citizens. This can only be achieved by working together in eliminating diseases like diabetes for a healthier Pakistan.