This rise in figures is concerning. There is no known cure for diabetes, and it can affect every part of a person’s body. What’s more, having diabetes increases the risk of other health conditions and can lead to strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure, blindness and lower-limb amputation. All of these result in a reduced quality of life and higher healthcare costs, which can place a heavy burden on sufferers and on a country’s healthcare system.
Type 1 Diabetes is a genetic disorder that often shows up earlier in life. While Type 2 Diabetes is often diet-related and shows up later in life.
In Type 1 Diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Very little can be done to prevent Type 1 Diabetes. Whereas Type 2 Diabetes is more preventable because it is often caused by poor lifestyle choices.
Here are some common symptoms that could be an indication of Type 2 Diabetes:
Anyone can develop diabetes, but certain factors increase the likelihood. Here are some:
If detected early and properly managed, people with diabetes can live long and healthy lives. This, of course, depends on two things: easy access to medication; as well as awareness and education about the impact that lifestyle can have on managing diabetes.
If undetected, diabetes can worsen over time and cause other complications. So, getting an early diagnosis and the right treatment is important. Here are some tips from The Mayo Clinic, that can help you avoid complications if you have diabetes:
Pakistan has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world. It is estimated that approximately 11% of the population suffers from diabetes and many others are pre-diabetic. There are several reasons for this, including diet and lack of exercise and even poverty.
In a country with high rates of poverty, addressing prevention and treatment is very challenging. The public healthcare system is underfunded and cannot cope with the number of people who need healthcare. While private healthcare is out of reach for most Pakistanis.
At Akhuwat, our Healthcare Services are key to the poverty alleviation work we do in Pakistan. Without proper healthcare, it becomes impossible for a person with diabetes to function, let alone work and lead a fulfilling life. Poor health perpetuates a cycle of poverty.
Akhuwat runs healthcare projects for underprivileged communities in Pakistan. We provide examinations and consultations without charge, followed by subsidised medicines and laboratory tests, where necessary. To date, we have provided treatment for half a million people with various conditions including diabetes.
In 2009, we launched the Akhuwat Health Centre which has expanded since to include a specialised diabetes wing. Many of the patients who benefit are the elderly who cannot afford treatment. Our interventions have made a positive impact on the lives of thousands of diabetes patients, who receive treatment without charge and education on how to better manage their condition.
You can find out more about our Healthcare Services and how to support our work, here.
Akhuwat
Akhuwat provides Qarz-e-Hasna to underprivileged families so they can help themselves out of poverty. Our borrowers/recipients repay only the capital amount, without interest. With one of the highest repayment rates in the world, Akhuwat continues to transform lives one Qarz-e-Hasna at a time. Akhuwat is registered in the UK with the Charities Commission (Registered Charity Number: 1136317).
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