Diabetes May Soon Affect Every Fifth Adult

"The rates of diabetes mellitus in Pakistan and the developing world continue to rise alarmingly and in the near future one in every five adults will suffer from this condition" said Dr Jaweed Akhtar, Associate professor and Head, Section of Internal Medicine, Aga Khan University (AKU). He was addressing a seminar on 'An Update on Medicine' organised under the Continued Medical Education programme of AKU.

He said that research studies show that Diabetes Mellitus can be prevented in many patients. Good diabetes management by patients and their physicians can reduce these complications although along with newer medications, lifestyle changes are essential.

Speaking on the role of anticoagulants in every day practice, Dr Mehmood Riaz, Consultant Physician, Department of Medicine said that Venous Thrombo Embolism is a clinical challenge for doctors of all disciplines. Disseminated Vescular Thrombosis, its sequel Pulmonary Embolism and post thrombotic syndrome are some of the most common disorders. Women seem to have a lower thrombosis risk than men, but pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy represent important risk factors. Deep vein thrombosis is highly prevalent and poses a burden on health economy, he said.

Pulmonary embolism is a common, potentially life threatening cardiopulmonary illness. Although PE can be difficult to diagnose, early recognition is important because prompt medical or surgical intervention can be life saving. Therefore, physicians, health care providers, and the public need to understand the rapidly progressive advances in epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. "The interdisciplinary nature of PE means that knowledge about this disease can no longer be considered to the domain of specialist," he stressed.

"Prevention is the only cure" emphasised Dr Muhammad Junaid Patel, Consultant Physician, Department of Medicine. The active check-over for disease among apparently

healthy people is a fundamental aspect of prevention. This is perceivable by screening, which is a search of unrecognised disease or condition by means of rapidly applied test, examination or other procedures in apparently healthy individuals. "Screening of disease being an important preventive strategy should be offered by Primary Care Providers to their clients when ever recommended and appropriate. However, before screening is initiated, a decision must be made whether it is worthwhile, which requires scientific, financial and ethical justification," he said.

Dr Lubna Zuberi, Assistant Professor and Consultant Endocrinologist, Department of Medicine, expressed her views on the topic "Does it help to reduce weight? And how?" She pointed out that despite being a developing country, the prevalence of obesity in Pakistan is comparable to some of the developed countries. Data from the national health survey shows that 25% of our population is overweight and obese. The prevalence is higher in urban dwellers, affecting one third of men and nearly half the women, she said.

Dr Muhammad Aslam Khan, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, spoke on "Dengue fever: Clinical Presentation and Differential Diagnosis." He informed the audience that Dengue virus infection has been reported in more than 100 countries and is a major international public health concern.

He said that there is no specific treatment available for dengue virus and the patient should be encouraged to take plenty of fluids and rest. The patient should be closely observed for any signs of bleeding, confusion, low blood pressure, rapid pulse rate, sweating with cold and clammy skin. These complications commonly occur between days 3 - 5 when the fever starts to settle down. "Laboratory investigations including platelets, white blood cells, hemoglobin and liver function tests should be monitored closely throughout the illness," he concluded.

As a part of its social responsibility and commitment to the advancement of health research and education, AKU regularly holds seminars, symposiums and events to raise awareness about health and education related issues which are of national importance and interest.