Islamabad
At present, every 19 seconds a limb is lost somewhere in the world due to a diabetes related complication, whereas every six seconds a person dies due to diabetes related complications and same time two new persons develop diabetes mellitus.
Anyone suffering from diabetes can, at any time, develop complications such as blindness, renal failure, heart disease and stroke. It also causes nerve damage leading to feet injuries which sometimes results in the loss of toes or a limb.
It is a risk factor for vascular disease and gangrene of limb. Hence, it is mandatory to adopt a healthier lifestyle which involves healthier food and exercise.
Diabetes prevalence is on the rise globally especially in South East Asia. At present around 425 million people all over the world are suffering from Diabetes Miletus. However, only one in two adults currently suffering from diabetes is diagnosed according to a report by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).
Chairman Department of Medicine at Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Professor Dr. Jamal Zafar expressed this while talking to ‘The News’ on Sunday in connection with World Diabetes Day being observed around the globe on November 14 (today).
Diabetes Awareness Month is held every November and World Diabetes Day is observed on November 14 annually. ‘Eyes on Diabetes’ is the theme for 2016. This year’s activities will focus on promoting the importance of screening to ensure early diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Miletus and treatment to reduce the risk of serious complications.
According to Professor Jamal, one of the most important actions to minimize losses due to the disease happens to be the theme of The World Diabetes Day this year that is to keep ‘Eyes on Diabetes’. It is to take action to help identify people with undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Miletus and those at risk of developing it in future so an early diagnosis and an effective treatment can be ensured.
He said that to achieve these goals, this time around the globe, the IDF has set a goal of one million screenings for diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus in the month of November. This is a very important step in the early diagnosis of Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes.
He added that the situation in Pakistan is equally alarming as compared to prevalence of the disease in low and middle income countries.
Talking of a prevalence survey conducted by him and his team in Rawalpindi that was published in JPMA (Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association) in August, Professor Jamal said the survey revealed that 32 per cent of population is suffering from the disease. “Every third patient presented in the Medical OPD of PIMS suffers from Diabetes Mellitus and its related complications.”
He said the diabetic foot clinic of PIMS is providing services to 30 to 40 patients per day in the form of dressings and other treatment to prevent amputation. Despite this effort, our amputation rate is 10 per cent. We need to create awareness in the public to prevent the development of diabetes mellitus and if it develops, it is needed to be managed properly to prevent complications, he said.
For this awareness, a programme has been arranged at The Centaurus Mall for Monday (today) afternoon where 4,000 people will be screened for diabetes and educational material will be distributed among the diabetic patients, said Professor Jamal.
He added at the same time, the dietician will be providing dietary advice to the patients and the person at risk of developing diabetes. Physicians will be advising about management of diabetes. Eye specialist will also be engaged for the screening of diabetic retinopathy. At the same time, glucometers will be distributed amongst the deserving diabetic patients for the proper management of diabetes according to their blood glucose, he said.
He said Blue Lighting will be carried out on the Centaurus Mall on Diabetic Day eve to raise awareness among the public about this day in line with the recommendations of the IDF. A similar activity will be carried out in Hanif Hospital – a private medical centre on Saidpur Road, Rawalpindi, said Professor Jamal.
He said in Pakistan, it is very important to initiate screening programs in partnership with IDF to reach the goal of one million screenings which has been set for November. The proper management of diabetes is very important to prevent complications.
To a query, he said there are four pillars for the management of diabetes: Diet, Exercise, Medication and Monitoring. Monitoring is mandatory for patient motivation and dose adjustment. However, keeping the bigger picture in mind, we should work hard towards promoting a healthier lifestyle to protect the future generations from developing Diabetes Miletus, he said.
He added that he along with his team has worked out a campaign against fast foods and aerated drinks to prevent the next generation from developing Diabetes Mellitus.