‘8-10pc of diabetic patients develop foot ulcer complications’

Diabetes Day marked with awareness walk, seminar; DUHS inaugurates Diabetic Foot Clinic

KARACHI: The Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) marked World Diabetes Day, which fell on November 14, with an awareness walk and seminar aimed at highlighting the growing burden of diabetes in Pakistan and the importance of early screening.

The walk, led by DUHS Vice Chancellor Prof Nazli Hossain, drew a number of students, teachers and staff at the Ojha Campus. Addressing participants, Prof Hossain said Pakistan faces an alarmingly high prevalence of diabetes, with many individuals unaware of their condition. She stressed that timely diagnosis and healthy lifestyle changes can play a vital role in reducing the disease’s impact.

Following the walk, a seminar was held at the National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology (NIDE), where healthcare professionals and patients took part in discussions on prevention, complications and management of diabetes.

Speaking on the occasion, NIDE Director Dr Musarrat Riaz said that nearly 8 to 10 per cent of diabetic patients develop foot ulcer complications that require specialised care. She noted that NIDE currently caters to around 200 diabetic patients daily. “Early intervention can prevent the worsening of foot ulcers and protect patients from permanent disability,” she said.

Dr Zareen Kiran highlighted the need for regular screening among women, noting that many are first diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy. “If blood sugar levels are controlled, healthy childbirth is possible. Uncontrolled diabetes puts both mother and baby at risk,” she cautioned.

Dr Nida Shakeel said that one in every four Pakistanis is living with diabetes, making November 14 an important reminder for screening and awareness. She advised women who develop gestational diabetes to continue annual follow-up tests even after childbirth. Individuals with obesity, hypertension or long-term medication use should also undergo yearly blood sugar checks, she added.

Dr Muhammad Farid and Dr Umar Khan also spoke at the seminar.

DUHS inaugurates Diabetic Foot Clinic

On the sidelines of the event, DUHS inaugurated a Diabetic Foot Clinic at its Ojha Campus to help prevent disability among diabetic patients. The facility was formally opened by Prof Hossain, who said Pakistan now ranks third globally in terms of the number of people living with diabetes. Severe foot ulcers, she noted, often lead to lifelong disability if not treated promptly.

The vice chancellor directed that the newly launched unit be upgraded into a fully equipped state-of-the-art clinic to meet patients’ needs.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr Musarrat Riaz, Dr Niaz Soomro, Dr Nisar Ahmed Sial, Dr Rustam Zaman and other senior faculty members.

 

News report originally published in Social Track, Karachi.

Photos courtesy: DUHS