Alvi for prevention and better management of diabetes.

ISLAMABAD -- Diabetes is a silent killer which is why there is a need to prevent and manage it by creating awareness about importance of a healthy lifestyle and adequate exercise.

This was highlighted by President Dr Arif Alvi during a ceremony on 'World Diabetes Day', which was attended by Danish Ambassador to Pakistan Jakob Linulf, Vice Chancellor of Health Services Academy Dr Shahzad Ali Khan as well as health professionals.

Addressing participants, he expressed concern over the high prevalence of diabetes in the country. He noted that Pakistan was the third largest country in terms of diabetes prevalence, over 33 million were diabetic and 400,000 people died every year due to diabetes and other complications resulting from it.

He said the progress and prosperity of the nation hinged upon the quality of its human resources which was only possible when the nation was educated and healthy.

The president said that prevention and optimal management of diabetes could lower the risk of other diseases as well, and in the worst-case scenario diabetes could cause blindness, amputation of affected parts, kidney failure, heart attack, depression and in some cases also lead patients to commit suicide.

He said the government should think of introducing creative and meaningful incentives for pursuing a healthy lifestyle and reducing non-healthy habits such as smoking, artificial drinks, junk and highly processed foods and beverages, and having a high sugar and salt content.

Earlier, Health Services Academy Vice Chancellor Dr Shahzad Ali Khan, said that affluent people should avoid consuming excessive food to avoid weight gain and obesity which eventually becomes the prime reason behind contracting diabetes. Instead, he said, food could be saved for the unprivileged segment of society to prevent hunger, stunting and malnutrition.

Ambassador Linulf said that diabetes was a very critical health...