As elsewhere, the World Diabetes day was marked here on Sunday with emphasis on prevention and fostering awareness. The theme was " Diabetes in children and adolescents". In this connection, the Diabetic Association of Pakistan (DAP) organised a moot at a local hotel.
It was pointed out on the occasion that the observance of this very day is aimed at fostering awareness regarding diabetes. The World Diabetes Day 2008 campaign reaffirms the message that "No child should die of Diabetes". The World Diabetes Day slogan is "Know the warning signs".
The United Nations General Assembly Resolution passed in 2006 also recognises diabetes as a chronic, debilitating and devastating disease and designates World Diabetes Day also as a United Nations Day since 2007 in collaboration with International Diabetes Federation and World Health Organisation (WHO) to be observed every year.
A statement of the DAP said that the morning session for doctors started with a welcome address by Professor A. Samad Shera; Secretary General Diabetes Association of Pakistan, Honorary President International Diabetes Federation and Director, WHO Collaborating Centre for Diabetes.
Professor Samad said complications of diabetes are renal failure, cardiovascular complications, blindness, amputations of foot and nerve damage.
He further said type 2 diabetes is on the rise in children mainly due to increase in the intake of energy rich food and decreased physical activities.
Professor Samad said an action to prevent diabetes is awareness. We have to eat less and walk more. He further suggested that the Ministry of Education should prohibit the sale of fast food and aerated drinks within and outside the schools and colleges. Parks and recreation areas should be protected and expanded.