Nearly nine million people in Pakistan are suffering from diabetes, while 33 per cent of them suffer from neuropathy - an impaired sensation of foot that could lead to dreaded condition as foot ulcers, gangrene and amputation.
Diabetic patients and their relatives as well as the general public were informed here on Monday. They have turned up in large number to attend the World Diabetic Day organised by the Aga Khan University Hospital.
The audience before attending the seminar was provided an opportunity to attend a health mela at AKU courtyard where they were provided with opportunity to commemorate World Diabetes Day, relevant diagnostic facilities, enabling them to gauge their health status, absolutely free of charge.
Nurses and paramedics were available to help them understand whether they were already inflicted or on borderline or as yet safe. Literature was also available in Sindhi, Urdu and English about the ailment, which could be easily deciphered by lay persons.AUK Endocrinology Section Head Dr Abdul Jabbar in his explicit talk mentioned diabetes an incurable disease could but could be controlled after its onset with due care towards ones diet and weight.
He mentioned Obesity, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases reflective of "Metabolic Syndrome", enhances vulnerability of the individual inflicted with any of those to almost all cited ailments if any of those not properly addressed.
The expert mentioned Diabetes in its initial phase did not reflect symptoms and hence it was extremely essential that all people without any distinction maintain a strict vigil.
Responsibility of a diabetic patient increases further as he or she needs to be extremely cautious that health condition was kept under control or as otherwise it would have its severe impact on almost all human organs, he stressed.
Elaborating his stance, he said diabetics with high blood pressure would be prone to have their kidneys and retina effected, increased cholesterol and while weight gain did lead to heart diseases, neuropathy caused foot ulcers.
Emphasis should be absolutely on blood sugar control and cholesterol, he said underscoring the role of intensive lifestyle interventions such as exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, weight.
"Regular blood sugar and cholesterol monitoring, eye and foot examination dental and cardiac care and refraining from smoking are crucial in delaying the onset of diabetes induced complications," he elaborated.
Keeping in view the theme for current year " Put Feet First -Prevent Amputation", consultants, nurses and other health care professionals made their respective presentation informing people about the vulnerability of diabetics to foot ulcers and possible amputations.