Number of diabetic patients in Pakistan could double by 2020

KARACHI: Pakistanis have a habit of consuming rich greasy unhealthy food, if we don't adopt a healthier lifestyle, the number of diabetes patients could double in just four years.

Addressing a seminar organised by the Mir Khalil Ur Rehman Society in Karachi, Dr. Musarat Riaz said, if people continue to consume unhealthy food and do not exercise the number diabetes patients could increase to 14 million, double of what it is today.

Majority of the patients are diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes with Type-1 diabetes more prevalent in Europe, Dr. Aswad Nawaz told an audience comprising of endocrinologists, doctors, experts and the general public.  

He added that primary factors besides hereditary are high consumption of junk and oily food coupled with an unhealthy life style, which eventually reduces insulin in the body.

Dr Musarat Riaz recommended including vegetables, fruits and reducing the oil content in the daily diet with at least at least half an hour of exercise if one wants to avoid becoming diabetic in future, he added.