14/11/2025
Awareness symposium/walk oragnzied to mark World Diabetes Day
Speakers says awareness can help reduce spread of diabetes
Date: November 14, 2025
An awareness symposium and walk were held at the Mardan Medical Complex (MMC) to commemorate World Diabetes Day.
The event, organized by the Mardan Chapter of the Pakistan Endocrine Society in collaboration with the Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine (PSIM) Mardan Chapter, brought together medical professionals, diabetic patients and the community to address the growing challenge of diabetes.
The symposium emphasized that raising public awareness is a critical tool in curbing the spread of diabetes. November 14 is globally recognized as World Diabetes Day, dedicated to highlighting the disease's impact across all stages of life and underscoring the necessity for integrated, equitable and high-quality care from childhood through older age.
Professor Dr. Nazish Farooq, Dean BKMC presided over the symposium as the chief guest. The event was attended by senior medical officials including Medical Director Associate Professor Dr. Naeem-ul-Haq, Hospital Director Associate Professor Dr. Sajjad Ali Shah, Professor Dr. Naveed Khan, Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Abbas and Associate Professor Dr. Shah Zeb, among others.
A panel of renowned diabetes specialists, including Assistant Professor Dr. Shahid Shahzad, Dr. Asadullah, Medical Specialists Dr. Hameedullah, Assistant Professor Dr. Muhammad Sohrab, Assistant Professor Dr. Fazale Rabbi, Gynecologist Assistant Professor Dr. Hesama Gul and Dr. Fatima, served as keynote speakers. They delivered comprehensive presentations covering all aspects of diabetes, including its symptoms, underlying causes, risk factors, diagnostic procedures, available treatments, potential complications and essential dietary and management strategies.
During their addresses, the medical experts presented a concerning picture of the diabetes situation in Pakistan. They revealed that the country currently ranks third in the world for diabetes prevalence and first in South Asia. It is estimated that approximately 34.5 million adults in Pakistan are living with diabetes, a number that continues to rise daily.
A significant point of concern raised was that around forty percent of these individuals are unaware of their condition or are not receiving appropriate treatment, contributing to its status as one of the most rapidly spreading diseases in the nation.
The speakers identified several contributing factors, including unhealthy lifestyles, the consumption of fast and junk food, a lack of physical exercise and family history. The symposium detailed treatment options, which range from oral medications to injectable therapies like insulin. The serious health consequences of poorly managed diabetes were also outlined, with experts warning of an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, stroke and sight loss.
A collective call to action was issued, urging the public to adopt healthier lifestyles. Recommendations included engaging in at least thirty minutes of daily exercise, reducing the intake of sugar and sweetened beverages, seeking proper medical consultation and consistent treatment. The overarching message was that through proactive management and preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing diabetes or avoid the severe health complications associated with the disease.
The event featured a symposium, awareness sessions, and distribution of 70 glucometers to poor patients, who also received hands-on training on using the devices and understanding blood sugar levels.
The event concluded with an awareness walk, symbolizing a shared commitment to fighting diabetes through education and community engagement.
The event was organised and sponsored by Getz Pharma, Glucometers are provided by NaBi Qasim Pharma, CCL pharma, Hilton pharma, Martin DOW and SAMI Pharma.