Nearly
9 Million People are Diabetic in Pakistan Healthy Lifestyles Control
Diabetes
"Nearly
9 million people suffer from diabetes in Pakistan. Thirty-five per
cent of these patients suffer from peripheral neuropathy ? an impaired
sensation of the foot that can lead to such dreaded complications
as foot ulcers, gangrene and amputation. Regular checkups and proper
foot care can prevent these complications." This was stated
by Dr Abdul Jabbar, Head of Endocrinology Section, Aga Khan University
Hospital (AKUH), at the World Diabetes Day organised on November
14, 2005.
The programme
included health awareness presentations by consultant doctors, nutritionists
and nurses on this year's theme 'Diabetes and Foot Care', along
with free diabetic screening tests such as blood sugar and cholesterol
check, HbA1c, bone density screening and blood pressure monitoring.
While educating
the audience on the control of diabetes, Dr Jabbar underscored the
role of intensive lifestyle interventions such as exercise; maintaining
a healthy diet and weight; regular blood sugar and cholesterol monitoring;
eye and foot examinations; dental and cardiac care; and refraining
from smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages in preventing or delaying
the onset of diabetes.
As nurses play
an integral role in the management of diabetes, Ms Noorjahan Allana,
a diabetes specialist nurse, informed the audience about caring
for the diabetic foot. She emphasised that the patients should wear
protective shoes and keep their skin clean and healthy.
This was followed
by a case presentation of a 10 year-old child who narrated his experiences
as a diabetic patient and explained how he has been able to lead
a normal life over the past many years with the support of the insulin
injection. This case presentation helped highlight the role of Insulin
in controlling diabetes, and advocated against the 'Insulin phobia'
that haunts a large proportion of the population
An interactive
question-and-answer session followed, in which Dr. Salma Badruddin,
Consultant Nutritionist, AKUH, and various consultant endocrinologists
from AKUH's Department of Medicine including Dr Najmul Islam, Dr
Lubna Zuberi, Dr Ghazala Rafique and Dr Naeem-ul-Haq discussed diabetes
management.
World Diabetes
Day is celebrated every year on November 14 in 151 countries across
the globe by 191 member associations of the International Diabetes
Federation, as well as by other associations, health care professionals
and individuals with interest in diabetes. AKUH has been celebrating
this day since year 2000 to create awareness among public about
diabetes, its complications and treatment.
