‘7m diabetics in Pakistan’

LAHORE

In Pakistan, almost 7 million people are diagnosed with diabetes, while in 2015 alone 86,000 deaths were related to diabetes meaning thereby that almost 10 people die from diabetes every hour in Pakistan. 

These alarming figures called for more awareness of diabetes management and especially new and effective treatment options for patients by leading health practitioners and diabetes professionals during a seminar on diabetes management which was organised by a Danish pharma company at a local hotel on Thursday.

The speakers focused on the rising burden and upcoming challenges in diabetes therapy. Dr Bilal Bin Younis form an institute of diabetes and endocrine research, Dr Imtiaz Hassan from Diabetic Institute of Pakistan and Dr Abd Tahrani shared that the current treatment options for diabetes are helping thousands of patients but with the progressive nature of the disease, new treatment options are always needed to overcome the existing challenges.

Speaking at the event, Ms Helle Nielsen, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Denmark acknowledged the special efforts of the Danish company for developing a national diabetes control action plan, highlighting the important issue of diabetes in Pakistan. “The common goal is to strengthen the diabetes health care system in Pakistan through awareness and quality care”, said Ms Nielsen.