Diabetes in Pakistan: Epidemiology, Determinants and Prevention

Epidemiology and determinants of diabetes in Pakistan have peculiar combination of risk factors. Strong gene and environment interplay along with in-utero programming in context of low birth weight and gestational diabetes are the main contributors of a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Pakistan. The real burden of diabetes is due to its chronic complications leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The unique combination of various risk factors necessitates research studies to make appropriate risk assessment tools to control this diabetes pandemic. Better understanding of aetio-pathological genetic and environmental factors are suggesting prevention should begin much before the start of disease process and interventions in high-risk subjects alone will not be sufficient. It is necessary to initiate population based programmes for primary prevention of diabetes including a range of activities targeted at different age groups from fetal life to old age. Synchronized and coordinated efforts from public and private sectors are needed to combat this mammoth health and economic issue.