The secretary general of the Diabetic Association of Pakistan, Professor A. Samad Shera, has said that diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate. Seven million people, including 1.6 million children, are suffering from the disease. "By 2040 Pakistan is projected to have 14.4 million diabetics and will rank 8th in the world," he told a press conference at the conclusion of the 4th International Diabetes Conference earlier this week.
The event was jointly sponsored by Sanofi Pakistan in collaboration with the Diabetic Association of Pakistan (DAP). International diabetes experts from globally recognised centres of academic excellence attended the event and shared their knowledge with the participants.
Professor Shera stressed the need for a healthier lifestyle and regular screening for diabetes, particularly for those at high risk. "It is far better to get diagnosed and managed early rather than allow complications to set in before seeking medical advice," He also urged people to follow the IDF slogan "Eat less, walk more." Peter Schwarz, professor of medicine prevention and diabetes care at the University of Dresden in Germany, advised a ten-thousand-steps daily walk for everyone. He said that a person starting a walk of 10,000 steps daily at the age of 22 will never get a chronic disease.
Professor Shera said: "The main objective of this conference was to create awareness, and to educate and interact with doctors with the help of a foreign faculty. The key to success is awareness. I am very happy that we are more aware about diabetes."
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