Pakistan is now in the top 10 countries for absolute increase in Diabetes prevalence since 2019. Type 2 diabetes constitutes up to 90% of the total worldwide. Pakistan has seen an increase of 148% in prevalence of diabetes since previous reports before 2019 which makes 17.1% of population of Pakistan now living with diabetes.

There is consensus that genetic factors play an important part in putting Asian people more at risk of diabetes. This is something which can’t be immediately improved however there are other modifiable risk factors which need our utmost attention to help our diabetes population and those at risk to prevent developing this rapidly growing problem.

A recent study at Newcastle University has demonstrated reversal of type 2 diabetes by losing weight. They achieved this purely by restricting calories intake. Pakistani diets are full of saturated fats and carbohydrates which is a huge challenge in treating or even controlling diabetes.

To add insult to the injury, our life style in Pakistan has gradually become more and more sedentary which is mainly driven by urbanisation and industrialisation.

I would update you with evidence about both areas (diet and lifestyle) in future posts.

How do we find a balance and which area we need to address most? I would like your comments and observations to take this forward.