The National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) celebrated World Diabetes Day on November 14, 2024, by lighting its façade blue at the PWD Campus. The event aligned with the global objectives of World Diabetes Day and focused on education, prevention, and advocacy. It aimed to raise awareness about diabetes, promote education on prevention and management, and foster a supportive community among the University’s faculty, staff, and students.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) began celebrating World Diabetes Day on November 14, 1991, in response to the increasing number of diabetes cases worldwide. This annual campaign aims to raise awareness about the disease. November 14 also marks the birth anniversary of Frederick Grant Banting, the Canadian physiologist who, along with his colleague Charles Best, discovered insulin in 1921, revolutionizing diabetes treatment.
The awareness session started with reciting the Holy Quran, followed by the National Anthem. The theme for 2024 is “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps.” This theme supports the International Diabetes Federation’s commitment to reducing the risk of diabetes and ensuring that everyone diagnosed with the condition has access to equitable, comprehensive, affordable, and high-quality treatment and care. It emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to health, which goes beyond glycemic control and includes enhancing patients’ physical and mental well-being.
Dr. Ayesha Karim Kiani, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, delivered an informative presentation on the epidemiology and management of diabetes. She emphasized that Type 2 diabetes, often associated with risk factors like obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, accounts for 90 per cent of diabetes cases. In contrast, Type 1 diabetes, which has an autoimmune origin, is less common but is increasingly diagnosed among young people. Dr. Kiani stressed the importance of raising awareness about the risk factors, signs and symptoms, screening methods, complications, and prevention strategies for diabetes.
Prof. Dr. Aamir Shahzad, Director of Academics, impressively shared his valuable insights and knowledge about Diabetes in Pakistan. He emphasized that diabetes is one of the significant health emergencies of the 21st century, mainly due to poor dietary habits, a lack of physical activity, and inadequate planning for physical activity. Professor Dr. Omer Zafar Jhagra, Director of the Avants Health Initiative (AHI), shared his insights on diabetes, its prevention, and the importance of lifestyle changes. He emphasized the value of group exercises, yoga sessions, and health challenges to promote physical activity. He stated that approximately 10.5% of adults worldwide are currently living with diabetes. The total number is predicted to rise to 643 million (11.3%) by 2030 and to 783 million (12.2%) by 2045. In 2021, the IDF estimated that over 530 million people aged 20 to 79 worldwide were living with diabetes. If we don’t take preventive actions and raise awareness, this number could increase to 783 million by 2045.
The session was quite informative and eye-opening for the faculty and students. The event also included setting up a free blood sugar checkup station under the supervision of the faculty. University students checked blood glucose levels for their peers and staff, promoted early detection and awareness, and received counselling sessions.
By illuminating its main building in blue, the University aims to highlight the importance of collective action in the fight against diabetes while reaffirming its commitment to scientific research and public awareness.
