Press Release
KARACHI: Health experts at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) warned that diabetes was increasingly putting younger adults at risk in Pakistan. They stressed the need for early detection, regular screening and coordinated medical care to prevent serious complications.
Pakistan was among the countries most affected by diabetes, with an estimated 34.5 million adults living with the condition. However, around 9.3 million, or 26.9 per cent, remained undiagnosed. Without effective preventive measures and timely treatment, the number of adults with diabetes in the country was projected to reach 70.2 million by 2050.
The warning came during a media roundtable organised by AKUH. Specialists in endocrinology, vascular surgery and clinical nutrition discussed the growing burden of diabetes and the importance of identifying risk factors before symptoms appeared.
The experts pointed out that diabetes affected more than blood sugar levels. If left poorly managed, it could damage blood vessels and nerves over time. This increased the risk of serious complications affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes and limbs.
They said younger adults were also vulnerable, particularly those with a family history of diabetes, excess abdominal weight and sedentary lifestyles. People with apparently healthy body weight were also advised not to ignore the risk, as physical appearance alone could not determine whether someone was at risk.
Dr Asma Ahmed, Consultant Endocrinologist at AKUH, said type 2 diabetes was no longer a condition limited to older people. Younger adults with a family history or other risk factors needed to undergo screening rather than wait for symptoms to develop.
She stressed that people diagnosed with diabetes needed to take their medication regularly, attend follow-up appointments and make sustainable changes to their lifestyles. These steps were important for controlling the condition and reducing the risk of long-term complications.
The benefits of early intervention were also reflected in AKUH’s community-based Pakistan Diabetes Prevention Trial. After one year, 61 per cent of participants with prediabetes in the lifestyle intervention group had returned to normal blood sugar levels. The improvement was achieved through simple lifestyle changes tailored to local food habits and living conditions.
Highlighting the impact of diabetes on blood circulation and nerve function, Dr Fareed Ahmed Shaikh, Assistant Professor and Section Head of Vascular Surgery at AKUH, said the condition could seriously affect the legs and feet.
He explained that reduced sensation and poor blood circulation could prevent patients from noticing minor injuries. Even a small cut could develop into a serious wound if left untreated. In severe cases, such complications could lead to limb loss. He advised people with diabetes to check their feet regularly and seek medical attention when they noticed any injury or unusual change.
Farah Syed, Senior Dietitian at AKUH, said nutrition was equally important in preventing and managing diabetes. She explained that managing the condition did not require patients to give up their favourite foods or follow highly restrictive diets.
Instead, she recommended balanced meals, controlled portions and greater consumption of vegetables, pulses and whole grains. Reducing sugary drinks could also help maintain healthier blood sugar levels. She stressed that practical dietary changes were more effective when patients could maintain them over time.
The specialists agreed that diabetes care required a comprehensive approach rather than relying on blood sugar monitoring alone. They said coordinated treatment involving medical specialists, vascular and foot assessments, and personalised nutritional advice could help patients prevent complications and maintain a better quality of life.
