- Advertisement -
PESHAWAR, Nov 14 (APP): Khyber Medical University (KMU) Peshawar, in collaboration with KMU Hospital, organized an event to mark World Diabetes Day.
The event highlighted the growing global and national burden of diabetes and included the formal launch of the KMU Diabetes Society, established to promote awareness, prevention, and research related to diabetes.
Vice Chancellor of KMU, Prof. Dr. Zia Ul Haq, attended the function as chief guest.
He stated that diabetes in Pakistan has reached an alarming level, and according to international reports, Pakistan is now the world’s third most affected country after China and India.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that 34.5 million adults aged 20–79 in Pakistan are currently living with diabetes. He noted that the KMU Diabetes Society will help raise awareness among the youth and support community-based efforts to reduce the burden of the disease.
Prof. Dr. Wazir Muhammad, Managing Director of KMU Hospital, shared updated national data and highlighted that a significant portion of Pakistan’s population is affected by diabetes, with many individuals undiagnosed and at risk of complications.
He emphasized healthy lifestyle changes, regular screening, and control of risk factors.
Prof. Dr. Sobia Sabir Ali, a leading diabetologist, discussed the causes, symptoms, complications, and current treatment options for diabetes.
She stated that lifestyle modification including a balanced diet, physical activity, and weight control plays a key role in preventing diabetes.
Dr. Tariq from the Peshawar Institute of Cardiology spoke about the strong connection between diabetes and heart disease, noting that diabetes is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular complications.
He stressed the importance of regular monitoring and coordinated medical management.
The speakers also reviewed global and national statistics. In 2021, the number of people with diabetes worldwide was 537 million.
This number is expected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045.
In Pakistan, 34.5 million adults about 33 percent of the adult population are currently living with diabetes, and projections indicate the figure could reach 62 million by 2045 if no interventions are undertaken.
The speakers described the main causes of diabetes, including low physical activity, unhealthy diet, obesity, genetic factors, and urban lifestyle. They noted that symptoms often remain unnoticed in early stages, making regular screening essential.
They added that early diagnosis, blood glucose monitoring, medication, and lifestyle changes are central to diabetes management. Balanced food intake, exercise, weight control, quitting smoking, and monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol can significantly reduce risks.
Faculty members, students, doctors, nurses, and paramedics attended the event in large numbers.
The event concluded with an awareness walk and a briefing on upcoming activities of the KMU Diabetes Society, including community screening camps, awareness seminars, and research initiatives.