Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) experts report rising diabetes risks among younger adults in Pakistan, where approximately 34.5 million adults live with diabetes, and 9.3 million are undiagnosed. Without intervention, this number could reach 70.2 million by 2050. Specialists emphasized the importance of early detection and integrated care to manage diabetes effectively, highlighting that it can cause serious complications beyond blood sugar levels.

Dr. Asma Ahmed, Consultant Endocrinologist, noted that younger individuals with a family history of diabetes or unhealthy lifestyles should seek screening early. AKUH’s community-based trial showed that 61% of prediabetes participants returned to normal blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes.

Dr. Fareed Ahmed Shaikh, a vascular surgery expert at AKUH, warned that diabetes can severely impact circulation and nerve health, increasing the risk of unnoticed wounds. Regular foot checks are crucial in preventing complications.

Senior Dietitian Farah Syed emphasized balanced nutrition, advocating for sustainable dietary changes rather than restrictive diets. Overall, effective diabetes management requires coordinated care, including medical, nutritional, and vascular assessments, to improve quality of life.