Diabetes root cause of major diseases, say experts

LAHORE: To keep your life from becoming bitter, the medical experts and nutritionists advised minimising the consumption of sugar and sweets to avoid obesity and diabetes which is a major cause of high blood pressure, heart disease, renal failure and blindness.

Eating less food, avoiding junk food, cold drinks and doing regular exercise play a key role in keeping a person healthy. ‘The burden of diseases in Pakistan is increasing day by day, the main reason for which is the rapid increase in diabetes, which is the root cause of diseases. One can stay healthy despite diabetes by taking necessary precautions, exercising properly and keeping oneself active,’ they observed while addressing the academic seminar organised by the Nutrition Department, Institute of Public Health on the occasion of World Diabetes Day. IPH Dean Prof Dr Zarfishan Tahir, Dr Mehreen Farooqi, Dr Mahnaz Nasir Khan, Dr Shafa Ali and other health professionals, dietitians addressed the seminar.

The participants of the seminar were informed about the treatment, management and diet for diabetic patients. Dr Zarfishan Tahir said that the risk of diabetes in Pakistan is increasing day by day and 32 million people in Pakistan are suffering from diabetes. This disease is a big cause of other deadly diseases.

She said that in order to prevent the disease, medical experts and nutritionists must make coordinated and joint efforts and special attention must also be paid to raise public awareness. Dr Mehreen Farooqi said that every person who reaches the age of 35 years should undergo blood screening with reference to sugar so that if diabetes is diagnosed, it can be treated and prevented at the beginning.

Dr Mehreen highlighted the efficacy of insulin in the treatment of diabetes. Dr Shafa Ali gave a briefing on prevention of diabetes and consumption of food, fruits and other things for diabetics. Dr Mahnaz Nasir Khan stressed changing lifestyle and eating habits. A symbolic walk was also organised at the end of the seminar in which dean, faculty members, doctors and students participated.

Meanwhile, a multi-sectoral dialogue has developed a joint call to action on diabetes and obesity prevention and promotion of healthy lifestyle. The policymakers, government departments, UN, NGOs, academia, media, medical associations, and corporates organised a policy dialogue and made recommendations to counter diabetes and obesity in the country.

A medical complex in collaboration with the Embassy of Denmark in Pakistan and a multinational pharmaceutical company hosted the event. Jakob Linulf, Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan, Rashed Rafique Butt from the multinational pharmaceutical company and other dignitaries attended the event.