On the occasion of the World Diabetes Day, a global diabetes awareness campaign is celebrated each year on November 14. This year's theme of World Diabetes Day was "Your Eyes and Diabetes: Don't lose sight of risks". To commemorate this day, Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) arranged a "Continuing Medical Education" programme for health care professionals on November 4, 2002 as well as a public health awareness programme, 'Signs, Symptoms and Care' on November 5, 2002.

The speakers for the two programmes were Dr. Najmul Islam, Dr. Sohail Ahmed, Dr. Samad Shera, Dr. Salma Halai Badruddin, Dr. Lubna Zuberi and Dr. Ghazala Rafique.

Dr. Sohail Ahmed, Associate Professor and Consultant Ophthalmologist at AKUH said that, "Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the working age group. This is due to diabetic retinopathy, a complication affecting the retina of the eyes, mostly in uncontrolled diabetics, whether they are treated with insulin tablets or diet only. A proper eye examination yearly by a diabetologist or an ophthalmologist will allow for early detection. Retinopathy is treated by laser treatment, but it is not a miracle cure and will not help in restoring vision that has already been lost, but can stop further damage."

Prof. A. Samad Shera, Honorary President International Diabetes Federation (IDF), speaking on this occasion said that the complications of diabetes are greatly feared both by patients, parents and other member of the family. The earliest changes of diabetic complications are only detectable on careful clinical or laboratory examination and changes have to be fairly advanced before patient is aware of it. The emphasis has now changed from treatment of established complications to screening, early detection and aggressive early treatment.

Dr. Najmul Islam, Associate Professor and Consultant Endocrinologist at AKUH, discussed a case of teen-aged diabetic, highlighting the point that helps the physician in deciding which type of diabetes the patient has. He informed the audience that type 2 diabetes, a variety of diabetes that effects adults and grown ups, is effecting the children more often now and is a cause of great concern. This increasing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in children is the result of lifestyle changes leading to obesity in this age group.

Dr. Lubna Zuberi, Assistant Professor and Consultant Endocrinologist at AKU discussed a case of diabetes in a pregnant woman i.e. Gestational Diabetes. She dealt with practical aspects of managing diabetes in this group stressing the point of excellent control to avoid complications in the baby and the mother.

The speakers and the panellists of CME, Dr.Naeem-ul-Haque and Dr. Nasir Haider participated in the question and answer session.

At the 'Signs, Symptoms and Care' programme, held on November 5, 2002, Dr. Ghazala Rafique, Senior Instructor at Aga Khan University (AKU), said that, "at least 170 million people suffer from diabetes worldwide and two thirds of them live in developing countries. Pakistan has the fourth highest diabetic population of 8.8 million. According to WHO the diabetic population in the world is projected to rise to 300 million by 2025. Most of the health impact of diabetes is the result of long-term complication including eye problem, retinopathy and cataract." She said that the way forward in diabetes care, lies in encouraging people to get involved in taking care of their condition themselves. Giving knowledge and skills through diabetes education and awareness programme is an effective way to improve long-term health prospects of people with diabetes.

Prof. Salma Halai Badruddin, Professor (Nutrition) Department of Medicine/CHS at AKU, stressed that appropriate nutritional therapy can play a significant role in helping diabetic patients to lower glucose, lipids and blood pressure levels. She said that recent studies provide over whelming evidence that life style changes particularly in food choices and exercise not only helps to manage diabetes but can also play a major role in preventing it. While counselling diabetics regarding their diet and exercise pattern it should be emphasized to them that it would be in the best interest of their family if they all followed the basic principles of diet and exercise that are laid out for the diabetic patient. In this way the young people in the family can be helped to develop lifestyle which could be crucial for delaying or preventing diabetes in the off spring of the parents with diabetes.

Dr. Najmul Islam, Associate Professor and Consultant Endocrinologist at AKUH, dealt with various myths and misconceptions about diabetes prevailing in the society. He stressed that diabetes is not a contagious disease but in fact is the result of genetic and environmental factors combined together in a population.The environmental factors are the obesity and lack of exercise. He stressed that there is a no such thing as mild diabetes. All types of diabetes is equally serious and if not properly controlled can lead to serious complications. He negated the myth that diabetics can't play sport and gave examples of well-known international players who are diabetics on insulin. He also talked about fasting and Ramadan and told the audience those diabetics who are on diet and taking tablets can safely fast but need to consult their doctor for adjustment of their medications prior to the start of Ramadan.

Ms. Khairunnisa Shalwani Diabetes Educator Nurse at AKUH spoke on self-monitoring of blood glucose and insulin injection techniques. One of the cornerstones of diabetes management is self-monitoring of blood glucose at home, which gives the picture of day-to-day control of diabetes and helps in adjustment of medications. She stressed that proper technique of insulin injection is essential to get maximum benefit of insulin treatment with least adverse effects.

The speakers and the panellist, Prof. Ata Khan, Prof. Riaz Qureshi and Dr. Asad Saeed participated in the question and answer session.