In Pakistan, 6.9 million people are affected by diabetes with the International Diabetes Federation estimating that this number will grow to 11.5 million by 2025 unless measures are taken to control the disease.
In 2007, 246 million people worldwide suffered from diabetes making the disease one of the most common non-communicable global diseases and the fourth leading cause of death in the world according to IDF estimates. Diabetes is also one of the most common chronic diseases affecting children with about 200 children worldwide develop Type 1 diabetes every day. According to Dr Abdul Jabbar, Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist, Aga Khan University (AKU) “Such a high instance of diabetes in children warrants that importance should be given to educating the public on the early warning signals of diabetes.”
The warning signs of diabetes are often overlooked and misdiagnosed as a flu or stomach viruses. Frequent urination, excessive thirst, weight loss, lack of interest and concentration, blurred vision, vomiting and stomach pain are among some of the symptoms of diabetes. If type 1 diabetes, or the inability of the body to create insulin due to an autoimmune disorder, is not detected at an early age in children it can be difficult to manage. With early diagnosis and access to care however, diabetes can be controlled.
In many cases type 2 diabetes, where the body does not produce enough insulin, can only be diagnosed early if children undergo regular blood and urine tests, as many symptoms commonly associated with diabetes do not manifest themselves early on. A Diabetes Education Nurse at AKU, Ms Tahira Akbar Ali, is of the opinion that self-monitoring of diabetes, which includes regular blood sugar and insulin level checks is crucial to early detection of diabetes. More importantly, self-management plans have to fit a patient's goals, priorities and lifestyles as well as their specific type of diabetes for treatment to be successful.
Different medical practitioners have in the past highlighted the need to tackle diabetes using a multidisciplinary approach involving endocrinologists, diabetes educators and dieticians, to improve the care diabetic patients receive. Ms Nausheen Aziz of the Pakistan Nutrition and Dietetic Society (PNDS) has focused on principles of dietary management of diabetes and achieving good health through adequate nutrition in her work. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes, on the rise in children, is linked with increased obesity, which can be managed by making healthy dietary choices and increasing physical activity.
Various complications which may arise from diabetes include disease of the blood vessels, stroke, nerve damage, amputations, kidney failure, blindness, and foot fungous or gangrene. Awareness about these complications is crucial as they increase disability and health costs and reduce life expectancy and productivity. Periodic evaluation of patients with diabetes is essential so that these complications can be detected early and adequately treated.
On November 14 th World Diabetes Day is celebrated globally. It is also the birthday of Frederick Grant Banting, one of the scientists who discovered insulin, the hormone diabetics lack. In light of this and to raise awareness among the public, the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in collaboration with PNDS has arranged a public awareness programme on Saturday, November 15, 2008 from 3 to 5 pm. The programme will highlight the need for education on the symptoms of diabetes and the measures that can be taken by the public to promote healthy lifestyles and to prevent type 2 diabetes. The programme will feature a number of speakers from the AKU and the PNDS and will include a panel discussion of experts to allow participants to ask questions related to various aspects of diabetes management and prevention. The event will also include a number of health stalls, including body mass index and blood testing.
