KP has estimated 2 million diabetics

PESHAWAR: Health experts said on Friday that Pakistan would have an estimated 13 million diabetic patients by 2035, which will make it among the top five countries in the world with the highest population suffering from diabetes.
Speaking at the launching ceremony of KP Diabetes Forum, they said though no official study had been carried out so far, yet KP had estimated more than two million diabetics keeping in view the previous statistics.
They said the prevalence of diabetes in the population necessitated the launching of the KP Diabetes Forum.Senior Minister for Health Shahram Khan Tarakai, Prof A.H Amir, Head of Diabetic and Endocrinology Department, Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC), Dr Ole Molskov Bech, Corporate VP International Operations, Novo Nordisk and Helle Nielsen, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Denmark, addressed the gathering.
The minister said the challenge posed by diabetes was complex and required the focus of policymakers, healthcare professionals, industry and media alike.He urged the participants to collaborate to form a resolute response to diabetes through both policy and healthcare.
“The KP Diabetes Forum 2015 will have an impact that will last beyond the important discussions, which we will have over the coming days. I hope that all participants will unite to stand behind the KP Action Plan for diabetes, which will form diabetes policies and strategies in the province for years to come,” Shahram Tarakai added. Ole Molskov, Corporate VP International Operations, Novo Nordisk said modern lifestyles were fuelling the increasing numbers of people with type 2 diabetes.