"Diabetes is a common disorder that is growing at an epidemic rate. Worldwide diabetes is seen in 7-8 % of the population. In Pakistan one out of every ten people have this disease and this number is expected to double over the next 25 years," informed Dr. Lubna Zuberi, Assistant Professor and Consultant Endocrinologist, Department of Medicine at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), while addressing a public health awareness programme held in Hyderabad.

AKUH has organised over 137 "Signs, Symptoms and Care" programmes in Karachi, Hyderabad and United Arab Emirates, which have drawn over 30,300 people, as part of its societal commitment to create awareness of early diagnosis and timely treatment. Based on the success of these programmes and in response to requests from Hyderabad, this is the eleventh programme to be organised in this city.

"Diabetes is associated with multiple complications, including heart disease, stroke, renal failure and neuropathy. These complications are largely preventable through adequate control of blood sugar. This entails a balanced diet, regular exercise program and medications," further explained Dr. Zuberi.

Dr. Lubna Zuberi clarified the fallacies regarding a 'diabetic diet' not only in the general population but also within the health care professionals, as a result of which patients with diabetes may be prescribed such unrealistic diets that compliance becomes impossible. She pointed out that patients with diabetes must eat a well balanced diet which will help them control blood sugar as well as help maintain serum cholesterol and lipids levels, thereby minimizing the risk of coronary heart disease.

Dr. Lubna Zuberi concluded by stressing about the different types of diabetes, identifying who is at a high risk of developing this disease and complications related to diabetes. She underscored the importance of good control, regular physical examination and periodic lab testing as a means of prevention and early detection of these complications.

The speaker participated in the question and answer session at the end of the programme.