Diabetes is quietly emerging as one of Pakistan's most pressing public health challenges, increasingly affecting younger people and leaving millions unaware that they are living with the disease. Nearly 34.5 million adults in the country are already diabetic, while another 9.3 million remain undiagnosed. Without effective preventive measures, the number of patients could soar to 70.2 million by 2050, health experts have warned.
The alarming figures were highlighted at a media briefing organised by the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), where endocrinologists, vascular surgeons and nutrition experts discussed the growing diabetes burden, its potentially devastating complications and the importance of early detection.
Experts cautioned that diabetes is far more than elevated blood sugar. When left uncontrolled over prolonged periods, it can damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing the risk of serious complications affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes and feet.
Consultant Endocrinologist Dr Asma Ahmed said Type 2 diabetes was no longer confined to older adults, with an increasing number of young people also falling prey to the disease. She identified family history, excess abdominal fat and physical inactivity as key risk factors, cautioning that even people who appeared to have a healthy body weight should not assume they were immune.
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