21/02/2026
World Diabetes Day-2025 commemorated under the auspices of MIDEM, OMI, JPMC, PES.
An interactive, case- based workshop on various aspects of Diabetes management was
held on 13th November 2025.
Pakistan has the highest prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes in the world (31% of the adult population), which means that 1 in every 3 adults has diabetes. This is largely driven by the epidemic of obesity, which in turn is caused by genetic/epigenetic factors, sedentary lifestyle, and over-consumtion of calorie-dense, fried carbohydrate food items (paratha, puri, samosa, pakora, fries, jilebi, halwa, etc.), highly processed fast-food, and sugary drinks/juices.
If not managed to targets of control, diabetes leads to multiple complications in the long run, such as heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, chronic kidney disease, narrowing of the blood vessels in the legs. Decreased nerve sensation and compromised blood circulation can lead to foot ulcers, gangrene and amputation. Involvement of the eyes (retina) can lead to glaucoma and blindness.
Type 2 Diabetes and obesity are also associated with Fatty liver disease (MASLD & MASH), which can progress to chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is also a consequence of obesity and can lead to daytime somnolence and intellectual decline.
Diabetes and its complications lead to a compromised quality of life, and eventually reduced life-span.
It is therefore, imperative that we prevent Diabetes and Obesity through adopting a healthy lifestyle and eating habits.
