Over seven million diabetics in Pakistan

KARACHI - There are over seven million diabetics in Pakistan and the number is expected to more than double in the next 15 years, an official said here.

Abdul Samad Shera, a professor, said the rising incidence of diabetes has created an alarming situation.

Citing World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, he said there were presently more than seven million diabetics in the country and this number will go up to 16 million by 2025.

He added that another six million or more people were suffering from impaired glucose tolerance, which means they are at high risk of developing diabetes.

Pakistan has a population of over 165 million.

Daily Times Monday quoted Shera as saying that Pakistan ranks eighth in the world as far as the number of the diabetics is concerned and according to WHO estimates, Pakistan will be ranked fourth by the year 2025.

Shera was speaking ahead of a diabetes awareness walk organised Sunday at Clifton here.

The purpose of the walk was to create awareness about diabetes, its prevention and management.