THE World Diabetes Day, which is being commemorated today (Nov 14), is an opportunity to raise awareness about the global public health issue, and to see what needs to be done collectively as well as individually for better prevention, diagnosis and management of the condition.

The latest International Diabetes Federation (IDF) data shows that more than half a billion people have diabetes globally. In Pakistan, around 33 million people are believed to be affected, with almost a quarter of them living undiagnosed.

Diabetes has an impact on both physical and mental wellbeing. Millions of people with diabetes face daily challenges in managing their condition at home, work and school. Diabetes care often focusses only on managing blood sugar. Urgent action is needed to ensure that personal wellbeing is prioritised in diabetes care.

The Global Diabetes Compact initiative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has the potential to improve the wellbeing of diabetics by driving national efforts to achieve universal health coverage, strengthening health systems through primary care, and reducing modifiable risk factors.

The complementary global diabetes coverage targets can also contribute to the wellbeing by ensuring quality care for those who need it.

It is time for the government to allocate sufficient resources to improve access to diagnosis as well as care facilities across Pakistan, and to accelerate the pace of progress towards the implementation of the Global Diabetes Compact.

Dr Ashraf Ali Jafrani
Sujawal

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2024