WORLD Diabetes Day serves as a reminder that timely action can make a meaningful difference. Recognising risks, improving access to diagnosis, and addressing obesity can help reduce the burden of diabetes.
Pakistan faces a particularly serious challenge, with approximately 34.5 million adults living with diabetes in 2024, a figure projected to reach 70.2 million by 2050.
Recognising symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, persistent fatigue, and unexplained weight loss can encourage individuals to seek timely medicalattention. However, type 2 diabetes may develop without noticeable symptoms. In Pakistan, addressing diabetes and obesity requires more than individual lifestyle changes.
Greater public awareness, accessible screening and affordable healthcare are essential for early diagnosis.
As such, healthcare professionals, communities and policymakers must work together to strengthen prevention and early intervention, reduce the long-term health and economic burden of diabetes, and improve the quality of life of those affected.