'Every fifth Pakistani suffering from diabetes'.

LAHORE -- Diabetes is rapidly spreading worldwide, especially in the developing countries and every fifth Pakistani is suffering from the disease, but many of the patients are unaware of their condition.

This was stated by Post Graduate Medical Institute and Ameer Uddin Medical College Principal Prof Dr Sardar Muhammad Al-Fareed Zafar.

Talking to the media persons after a seminar organised by the Medical Unit-III of the Lahore General Hospital here on Wednesday, he said it was the need of the hour to protect the new generation from the deadly disease.

'Total number of diabetic patients in Pakistan is 35 million, while most of the people have no knowledge of their disease', Prof Al-Fareed said. He said diabetes damages many human organs in its advanced stages due to the delayed treatment or negligence.

He said among the women, who were not diabetic, sugar level remains high during pregnancy mainly because of mental stress and physical changes, adding that such cases should be referred to gynecologists. Such women should be examined regularly to control the diabetes and high blood pressure which pose risks to the life of both mother and child during pregnancy, he warned. The PGMI principal said...