Rising Burden of Diabetes Mellitus in Pakistan: Trends, Risk Factors, and Challenges
Burden of Diabetes Mellitus in Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52442/jrmi.v11i3.928Keywords:
Diabetes mellitus, Genetic Factors, Obesity, Primary Healthcare Services, Refined CarbohydratesAbstract
Diabetes mellitus is a growing public health concern in Pakistan, with one of the highest prevalence rates of over 30.8% in 2021 globally and affecting 33 million adults. Contributing factors to this alarming rise include genetic predisposition, urbanization, unhealthy diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugars, sedentary lifestyles, and increased obesity, particularly among women and limited awareness. Pakistan faces significant healthcare challenges, that hinder effective management, such as insufficient screening, limited infrastructure and lack of specialized care in rural areas, and high treatment costs. Cultural barriers, such as resistance to dietary changes and limited physical activity for women, further impede the prevention. Urgent multi-sectorial strategies are needed to strengthen the primary healthcare services, expand public awareness campaigns, promote physical activity, improve access to medications, and support research to control diabetic epidemic and reduce its health and economic burden in Pakistan.
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