National action plan on diabetes stressed

LAHORE

Pakistani and international diabetes experts stress the need for National Action Plan on diabetes at 6th international diabetes conference held here on Tuesday.

Diabetic Association of Pakistan (DAP) brought to Pakistan renowned international diabetes experts from globally recognised centres of academic excellence to address the conference.

Professor Gerry Reyman and Professor Rhys Williams from UK along with Professor A Samad Shera shared their opinions, insights, perspectives and best practices with healthcare professionals from across Pakistan. They highlighted the criticality of good diabetes management by healthcare professionals in line with the latest scientific research in tandem with adherence by patients to prescribed therapies, oral or injected (insulin). This partnership between doctors and patients is essential to avoid or delay the onset of complications. This year there was particular emphasis on complications pertaining to diabetic foot disease.

Speaking on screening and prevention of diabetic foot disease, Prof Gerry Reyman said: “Neuropathy is common in people with diabetes because high blood sugar damages nerve fibers. A poorly controlled patient may have nerve damage leading to loss of sensation in his/her feet or other extremities. A thorough foot examination is important to detect the disease early.