Pakistan has officially emerged as the country with the highest number of diabetes patients in the world, with a staggering 35 million people now living with the disease. The alarming figures were revealed at the Faisalabad Diabetes Conference, where health experts sounded the alarm over the country’s rapidly escalating diabetes crisis.
According to medical specialists, nearly 50% of hospital visitors across Pakistan now exhibit symptoms or complications related to diabetes, indicating how deeply the disease has penetrated the population. This rising trend has positioned diabetes as one of the most urgent public health challenges facing the nation today.
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Doctors at the conference warned that the situation is reaching epidemic proportions, driven by a combination of factors — including unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, obesity, and genetic predisposition. The widespread consumption of sugary foods, processed meals, and sedentary lifestyles has made diabetes increasingly common, even among young adults and teenagers.
Health experts emphasized that without immediate preventive measures and sustained public awareness campaigns, Pakistan risks facing a severe healthcare crisis in the coming years. They highlighted that diabetes not only leads to life-threatening complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, vision loss, and nerve damage, but also places enormous strain on the healthcare system and national economy.
Speakers at the conference called for urgent steps to combat the epidemic through community-based screening programs, early diagnosis, and lifestyle interventions. They also urged the government to strengthen primary healthcare services, improve access to affordable insulin and medication, and integrate diabetes management into the broader national health policy.
Public education was identified as the cornerstone of prevention. Experts stressed the importance of promoting healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and routine medical check-ups. They also recommended that media and schools play an active role in spreading awareness about the dangers of high sugar intake and sedentary living.
The conference concluded with a collective appeal to policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public to unite in addressing what has become one of Pakistan’s most pressing health emergencies. With 35 million lives already affected, experts warn that only a coordinated, nationwide effort can prevent the situation from worsening — and help secure a healthier future for the country.
