Pakistan's diabetes epidemic: 33 million and counting
IV Report KARACHI: Pakistan is facing a daunting challenge with an estimated 33 million diabetes patients, accounting for 6% of global estimates. The statistics are staggering, with 0.99 million suffering from foot ulcers, 6.6 million experiencing eye problems, and 9.24 million undergoing dialysis. Experts warn that if left unchecked, Pakistan may top the list of countries with the highest number of diabetes patients. The severity of diabetes complications is further compounded by the fact that many individuals remain unaware they have the disease. Dr Zahid Mian, a renowned diabetes expert, highlights that a single dialysis session costs at least 5,000 rupees, translating to a monthly economic burden of 60,000 rupees for three sessions per week. Globally, the picture is equally concerning, with 540 million people suffering from diabetes and an estimated 643 million by 2030. Every six seconds, two people are diagnosed with diabetes, and in low- and middle-income countries, four out ...