World Diabetes Day on Monday was observed in Pakistan like other parts of the world in a bid to raise awareness about diabetes and its complications so that the goal of healthy society can be achieved. To mark the day free medical camps, seminars, scientific sessions and many other activities were organised by various organisation.
The day is observed around the globe on November 14 to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, was instrumental in the discovery of insulin in 1922, a life-saving treatment for diabetes patients. Around 366 million people suffer from diabetes. With around 10 million diabetic patients, Pakistan ranks 7th in the world and Pakistan is expected to have the fourth largest diabetic population in the world with 14 million patients by the year 2030, if current trends continues unabated.
This diabetes awareness campaign is meant to raise awareness among the general public and the people, who are at risk of having diabetes, said Professor Dr Anwar Riaz Qadeer while addressing the participants of free medical camp on Monday. He said the day aims to inform people about the warning signs and encourages them to get an early diagnosis.
According to him, diabetes is an illness, which occurs due to a problem in the production and supply of insulin in the body. "In big cities, most people don't eat healthy food and also exercise less, which is a major reason behind this disease," he added.
A free medical camp was also set up at Shalamar Hospital Outpatient Department-I where patients were facilitated by free blood sugar, cholesterol & body mass index tests. Free consultation was provided to the general public. People were facilitated by blood pressure & weight check-up. Awareness literature & free medicines were also provided to the patients in the camp. Chief Executive Shalamar Hospital Dr Rashid Ahmed and Dr Bilal Bin Younas visited the camp. A private hospital also set up a free medical camp in which patients were given awareness about the disease.