KARACHI: World Diabetes day is a day to create awareness on diabetes. The Diabetic Association of Pakistan and WHO Collaborating Centre Karachi organised it on Sunday. A Scientific session for the doctors was held in the forenoon, says a Press release.
The session began with a welcome address by Professor Abdul Basit Secretary General, Diabetic Association of Pakistan (DAP), Founding Member Diabetes in Asia Study Group (DASG), Director at Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology, and Professor of Medicine Baqai Medical University. Karachi He introduced the theme of the World Diabetes Day “Diabetes: Nurses make the difference”.
Professor Abdul Basit, spoke on the topic of “Current Status of Diabetes care in Pakistan”. I am deeply grieved and so are all of us working in diabetes care especially across the country and the MENA Region about the sad demise of Prof. A. Samad Shera on March 02, 2020. May Allah rest his soul in peace. His contribution to diabetes will be remembered for a very long time. It is my honor to speak on the “first Prof. Abdus Samad Shera memorial lecture”.
Regarding my topic of the “current status of diabetes care in Pakistan”, this is a topic which has been very close to Prof. Shera’s heart and is also my passion and mission of life. Pakistan is one of the countries having a very high prevalence of diabetes. Currently there are more than 19 million people with diabetes in the country and 26.2 million Pakistanis will have diabetes by the year 2030. Nearly 9.6 million children are overweight and obese. In the past years, the occurrence of hypertension has doubled while that of obesity has tripled. The rising tide of diabetes is a source of huge economic burden. To take as an example, the direct cost of treating a diabetic foot ulcer is between 21- 378 pounds. We adopted prioritization strategies and a stepwise approach.
Professor M. Zaman Shaikh, Joint Secretary, Diabetic Association of Pakistan (DAP), Director of Sir Syed Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Professor of Medicine & Head of Department, Sir Syed College of Medical Sciences Karachi talked on “Lifestyle Management and Diabetes”.
He said Diabetes prevention is as basic as eating more healthfully, becoming more physically active and losing extra fat. It’s never too late to start. Making a few simple changes in your lifestyle now may help avoid the serious health complications of diabetes down the road. There are many benefits to regular physical activity. Exercise can help to lose weight, lower blood sugar, boost sensitivity to insulin, which helps keep blood sugar within a normal range. If one is overweight, diabetes prevention may hinge on weight loss. Every kg we lose can improve our health, and it is surprising by how much.
Farhana Tabassum, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Director Undergraduate Programs, Ziauddin University, College of Nursing Field Expert Sindh Health Care Commission talked on “Diabetes: Nurses make the Difference (IDF Theme)” She said Pakistan population growth rate between1998-2017 was 2.40% which is currently approximated to 221,420,100 and in 50 years it will double (world population review). WHO (2018) strongly advocates that nurses play a great role in reducing suffering, promoting health and preventing diseases. Nurses make a difference in the lives of patients to provide health promotion, assist in prevention, and facilitate chronic disease management according to national needs.
Professor Shabeen Naz come to light in which 12 people died due to the deadly virus on Saturday.
As many as 6,500 patients are being treated in the province till Sunday, November 8. Sources said that according to the report sent to the Sindh government, due to protests and strikes, there are difficulties in performing medical duties at Dow University Hospital. It is feared that the length of the protest will result in teaching activities at the institute to be closed.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Dow University employees has announced a protest at Karachi Press Club on Monday. Sources said that the Sindh government has already taken up the baton, their leaders will be arrested before the protest.
The activities of Qaim Jokhio, a prominent leader of the Joint Action Committee, have been closely monitored. His phone calls are also being monitored.
According to the report sent to the Sindh government, ad hoc relief was issued in Dow University acknowledging the demands of the employees while health care allowance will be paid soon. Other demands have also been assured to be accepted. Despite all this, it could be due to a conspiracy, so it is important to find out the conspiracy. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) leader Qaim Jokhio was contacted by the reporter for taking his opinion but he was not available on call.