Health experts warned on Saturday that diabetes had mushroomed very quickly and unless people overhaul their lifestyle and eating habits, the number of diabetic patients in Pakistan could double from just over 7 million to well over 14 million in just four years.
Talking to a private news channel, Professor Zaman Shiekh warned that if people do not change their lifestyle and continue to indulge in overly greasy food coupled with no exercise, the silent killer would haunt future generations.
Explaining the various types of diabetes that affect patients, Dow University of Health Sciences’ Dr Fareeduddin said that Type 2 diabetes was more prevalent among adult Pakistanis with Type 1 usually affecting children under 15 years of age.
Calling diabetes a ‘silent killer’, Dr Fareeduddin added that if the incidences of diabetes were not recognized and treated – or rather kept at bay by using insulin, it could affect vital organs including the heart, eyes, and lungs.
Recognizing the symptoms is extremely important according to Dr Fareeduddin, including weight loss, frequent urination, and feeling extremely thirsty and hungry all the time.
Since there is no cure for diabetes, once it settles in, it remains active till one breathes his or her last breath, Professor Zaman added.
Besides monitoring sugar levels, experts advise including a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise every day and to steer clear of the unhealthy oily dishes and processed fast food as well.
