34.5 million Pakistanis living with diabetes

Pakistan is observing World Diabetes Day on Saturday, with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the World Health Organization (WHO) urging collective efforts to prevent and control the disease through early detection, timely treatment and healthier lifestyles.

This year’s World Diabetes Day is being observed under the theme, “Early Action on Diabetes”, highlighting the importance of identifying the disease at an early stage and preventing potentially serious complications.

According to the WHO, around 34.5 million people in Pakistan are affected by diabetes, making it a major public health challenge. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has also estimated that 34.5 million adults in the country were living with the disease in 2024, with more than one-quarter unaware of their condition.

In its message on the occasion, the WHO stressed that prevention and early diagnosis are essential to ensuring timely medical care and reducing the risk of complications. It encouraged people to adopt balanced diets, remain physically active and undergo regular medical check-ups.

The organisation recommended at least 150 minutes of physical activity every week, along with healthier eating habits and routine health screenings, to reduce the risk of diabetes.

WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working with the federal government and the people of Pakistan to strengthen diabetes prevention, early detection and timely treatment.

In his message, President Zardari called on citizens to take greater responsibility for their health by reducing sugar consumption, engaging in regular physical activity and seeking timely medical screening.

He also urged federal and provincial governments, healthcare professionals, educational institutions and media organisations to work together to raise awareness about diabetes. He particularly stressed the need to extend public awareness initiatives to rural and remote communities.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described diabetes as an increasingly serious public health concern and emphasised that early screening and timely medical intervention could help prevent life-threatening complications.

He said the federal government had allocated Rs6.8 billion for the Prime Minister’s Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes Mellitus.

The initiative aims to expand screening facilities for early diagnosis, strengthen primary healthcare services and improve public access to diabetes testing and treatment.

The prime minister urged people to make regular exercise, balanced nutrition and routine medical check-ups an essential part of their daily lives.

The messages from the government and WHO highlighted the need for stronger public awareness and coordinated action to address Pakistan’s growing diabetes burden.