Diabetes increasing at alarming rate in Balochistan; says Dr. Irshad Khosa
- November 14, 2015, 9:47 pm
- Health News
- 197 Views
World Diabetes Day observed:
Diabetes specialist concerned about increase in rate
of prevalence; says almost 8-12 percent people
suffering from diabetes; calls for launching
awareness campaign for prevention of disease;
emphasizes on adopting healthy lifestyle
BT City Report
QUETTA: The diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate in the country and so in Balochistan as such there is a dire need to aware the people about the disease.
This was pointed out by the senior physician, Professor Dr. Irshad Ahmed Khosa while talking to this scribe marking the World Diabetes Day, here on Saturday.
Dr. Irshad Khosa, who is a specialist of diabetes, mentioned that 8-12 percent people are suffering from the diabetes as per a survey in Balochistan. So, increasing the number of patients of diabetes is a matter of concern particularly when there is a lack of awareness about the disease. While eight to 12 people have been reported with diabetes in the province, still the similar number are those, who are not aware about the disease, although they are diabetic, he maintained.
At the outset, tte rate of diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate and it has become the 7th highest prevailing disease in the world. The prevalence of diabetes is 6.8 percent among adults.
The International Diabetes Foundation estimates that in Pakistan there are 7.1 million people who are diabetic. 88,000 people die annually due to diabetes related complications. Of these 35,615 are men and 52,397 women. By 2025, more than 12.8 million people will have diabetes in Pakistan.
Dr. Khosa mentioned that diabetes occurs when the level of glucose in the body rise and the body either stops producing insulin or produces insufficient amounts, has three types type I, type II and gestational diabetes. Most common is type II, which is caused by obesity, lack of physical activity or when body fails to make insulin or when sugar levels are not controlled. There is urgent need to create awareness about it in young people, especially young parents.
About a query of the diabetes occurring in children and teenagers he was of the view that the situation was alarming.
Almost 10 percent of the diabetic people may have type I but the number is increasing and this should be checked. They could be due to genetic, viral infection and autoimmune disorder with the parents or family, he maintained.
Dr. Khosa said preventive measures can be taken to avoid diabetes. “Every person should walk at least 30-35 minutes per day or 150 minutes in a week.
Food high in fiber including fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains should be used. White rice is not good for diabetic patients. Moreover, sugar drinks and cola drinks should be avoided. One should not go for fad diets but make healthier choices. If you are overweight diabetes prevention may hinge on weight loss. Every pound you lose can improve your health,†he explained.
On a query about the possibility of heart diseases for diabetic persons, the doctor said heart attack can occur if a diabetic person also has hypertension and both are not controlled.
“Diabetes if not controlled can affect most of the organs of human body. After 10 to 12 years the diabetic nephro can happen. The diabetics are more likely to have cataract of eye, skin infections urogenital infections in both men and women. But one can avoid all this by controlling diabetes and hypertension by taking medicine regularly and on time. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very important,†Dr. Khosa said.
Meanwhile, a seminar and walk was organized for awareness of the general public in the Bolan Medical Complex Hospital marking observance of the World Diabetes Day the same day.
