The Rising Tide of Diabetes and Obesity in Pakistan: A Call to Action

Abstract

Pakistan is included in high prevalence countries which have diabetic population, facing a major health concern ¹. This is leading to a major economic burden causing millions to suffer from it all across the country.

It is estimated by International Diabetes Federation (IDF), that Pakistan is number 7, for the highest number of diabetic population in worldwide, with around 33 million people affected ². It is also projected that this number shall rise to 62 million by year 2045, making us climb the ladder to number 5. Evidence in studies has also documented that Pakistan has 26.1% prevalence, with 30.8% in urban areas, and 19.2% in rural ³.

Obesity is one of the main factor, leading to detection of diabetes, special in type 2. It is also estimated that around 50% people above 18 years are diabetic.  The same is true for children and young adults, where every one in 4 are facing the challenge ⁴.

The duo of diabetes and obesity plays far reaching effects, causing involvement of multiple organs. These can be divided according to type of vessels involved, microvascular or macrovascular. Financial impact is also enormous for these complications, which is difficult to meet for a third world country like Pakistan ⁵.