AKUH urges early screening as diabetes threat spreads to younger adults

KARACHI: Health experts at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) have warned that Pakistan’s diabetes burden is growing at an alarming pace, with younger adults also increasingly exposed to the risk of the disease.

Pakistan is among the countries worst affected by diabetes, with an estimated 34.5 million adults living with the condition. Of these, around 9.3 million people, or 26.9 per cent, remain undiagnosed. If effective steps are not taken to control the rising burden, the number of adults with diabetes in the country is projected to reach 70.2 million by 2050.

AKUH organised a media roundtable in Karachi, bringing together specialists from endocrinology, vascular surgery and clinical nutrition to discuss the growing challenge of diabetes in Pakistan and the need to identify risk factors at an early stage.

The experts said diabetes should not be viewed only as a condition linked to blood sugar levels. Over time, it can damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing the risk of serious complications affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes and limbs.

They noted that younger adults may also be vulnerable, particularly those with a family history of diabetes, excess abdominal weight or sedentary lifestyles. They further cautioned that people who appear to have a healthy body weight should not assume they are free from risk.

Dr Asma Ahmed, Consultant Endocrinologist at AKUH, said Type 2 diabetes was not confined to older people.

“Type 2 diabetes is not limited to older adults. Younger people, particularly those with a family history or other risk factors, should not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking screening. For those diagnosed with diabetes, taking medication as prescribed, attending regular follow-ups and making sustainable lifestyle changes are all important for managing the condition and reducing the risk of complications,” she said.

The hospital also highlighted the results of its community-based Pakistan Diabetes Prevention Trial, which demonstrated the benefits of timely intervention. After one year, 61 per cent of participants with prediabetes in the lifestyle intervention group had returned to normal blood sugar levels through simple, culturally tailored lifestyle changes.

Speaking on the complications linked to circulation and nerve health, Dr Fareed Ahmed Shaikh, Assistant Professor and Section Head of Vascular Surgery at AKUH, said diabetes could affect blood flow and nerve function, especially in the legs and feet.

“Diabetes can affect both blood circulation and nerve function, particularly in the legs and feet. When sensation and blood circulation are reduced, even a small cut can go unnoticed and develop into a serious wound that, if left untreated, may ultimately lead to limb loss. Regular foot checks and timely medical assessment can help identify problems early and reduce the risk of severe complications,” he said.

The experts also underlined the role of nutrition in preventing and managing diabetes. Farah Syed, Senior Dietitian at AKUH, said people with diabetes did not need to give up all foods they enjoyed or follow overly restrictive diets.

“Managing diabetes does not mean giving up the foods you enjoy or following a restrictive diet. Making balanced choices, watching portion sizes, including more vegetables, pulses and whole grains, and reducing sugary drinks can support better blood sugar management. The key is to adopt practical changes that can be sustained over time,” she said.

The specialists stressed that effective diabetes care must go beyond monitoring blood sugar levels. They said coordinated care, including medical management, vascular and foot assessments and personalised nutrition advice, could help patients control the condition, lower the risk of complications and maintain a better quality of life.