SIH Marks World Diabetes Day

Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published November 14, 2016 | 04:50 PM

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Nov, 2016 ) : consultant Endocrinologist Shifa International Hospital (SIH) Dr. Tayyab Badshah Monday said screening of diabetes complications was vital for effective management of the disease and ensure good health.

While addressing a seminar organized by Shifa International Hospital to mark World Diabetes Day, he said masses and diabetic patients must adopt preventive measures to avoid serious health hazards.

Doctors, SIH officials, students, patients and people from all walks of life attended the seminar. Free consultancy, screening, informative booklets and prizes were given to the participants. The theme of the day was "Eyes on Diabetes" and this year, the focus was given on promoting the importance of screening to ensure early diagnosis of two types of diabetes and treatment to reduce the risk of serious complications.

Dr. Tayyab said that more than 93 million adults, or one in three, currently living with diabetes had diabetic retinopathy. He said early detection and timely treatment of diabetic retinopathy could prevent vision loss and reduce the impact of diabetes on individuals and society.

He said one in two people with diabetes remained undiagnosed, which made them particularly susceptible to the complications of the condition, causing substantial disability and premature death.

"More than 640 million of people may be living with diabetes by 2040," he said. Dr. Usama Ishtiaq, Consultant Endocrinologist SIH, said one in two (46%) people with diabetes are undiagnosed. "Pakistan is at the 10th position, with over 7 million diabetic patients between 20 to 79 years of age," he added.

Ms. Aisha Wajahat, Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist) SIH, said that many people with diabetes knew they had to take care of their feet, understood occuring of foot problems would help them to take action to prevent the disease.

She added prolonged period of high blood glucose levels could cause damage to different areas of your body including your feet and legs. She highlighted the importance of preventing foot problems, adding any injury or hard skin had the potential to develop into something more serious if you had diabetes.