The day aims to highlight the rising prevalence of diabetes, its severe impacts on health, and the critical importance of preventive measures.
Expressions of Concern
On this occasion, both global health bodies and the government of Pakistan have expressed deep concern regarding the disease’s accelerating spread, barriers to accessing treatment, and the urgent need for effective preventive strategies.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a long-lasting health problem where the body cannot control its blood sugar properly. Because of this, the blood sugar level stays too high most of the time. This is why it is often called “sugar disease.”
The Alarming Global Surge
A Fast-Growing Epidemic
A new report from the World Health Organization shows that the number of people with diabetes is rising very quickly around the world. Right now, about 537 million people have this disease. A very worrying fact is that more than half of these people live in countries where it’s hard to get good medical care and treatment
What is Causing the Diabetes Problem?
Studies show that the main reasons for the fast increase in diabetes are related to how we live. These include:
- Being overweight or obese.
- Not getting enough physical activity or exercise.
- Eating too much processed food and fast food.
- More people moving to and living in cities.
Family history (genes you inherit from parents) is also an important reason. In Pakistan, all of these risk factors are very common, especially in its big and growing cities.
A Focus on Well-being in 2025
This Year’s Theme: Diabetes and Well-being
The theme for World Diabetes Day 2025, “Diabetes and Well-being,” focuses on the connection between diabetes management and overall quality of life. It emphasizes creating supportive workplaces, protecting mental health, and promoting physical wellness for those living with or at risk of diabetes.
National Awareness Campaigns
In response, both public and private institutions in Pakistan have launched widespread campaigns this year. These initiatives focus on public awareness, free screening camps, and promoting preventive lifestyles to curb the silent spread of the disease and improve access to care.
Conclusion
World Diabetes Day 2025 serves as a critical reminder that diabetes is not just a personal medical issue but a sweeping societal challenge, especially for countries like Pakistan. The nation’s position at the top of the global prevalence ranking is a clear call to action. Combating this epidemic requires a sustained, multi-faceted approach: from government policy and healthcare system strengthening to individual lifestyle changes and corporate responsibility in promoting well-being. The theme “Diabetes and Well-being” rightly shifts the focus towards holistic health, emphasizing that effective management must care for the mind and body to ensure a better quality of life for millions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main purpose of World Diabetes Day?
World Diabetes Day, observed every November 14, aims to raise global awareness about diabetes—its escalating rates, devastating complications, and the importance of prevention, early detection, and effective management.
2. Why is Pakistan’s diabetes situation considered so serious?
Pakistan has the highest prevalence of diabetes in the world, with over 30% of adults affected. Combined with a large population, this translates to nearly 34.5 million people living with the disease, high rates of undiagnosed cases, and significant mortality, placing an immense strain on the healthcare system.
3. What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. It is a major warning sign, and without lifestyle changes, individuals with prediabetes are at very high risk of developing full diabetes.
4. What are the most common complications of unmanaged diabetes?
Long-term, unmanaged high blood sugar can damage vital organs and systems. Common complications include cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney failure (nephropathy), vision loss or blindness (retinopathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), and foot ulcers that can lead to amputation.
5. What does the 2025 theme “Diabetes and Well-being” mean?
This theme highlights that managing diabetes goes beyond blood sugar control. It focuses on the overall well-being of individuals, addressing mental health challenges (like diabetes distress), ensuring supportive environments at work, and promoting physical health to enable people with diabetes to live full and healthy lives.
6. What can individuals do to prevent or manage diabetes?
Key steps include: maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week), eating a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in processed sugars and fats, avoiding tobacco, and getting regular health check-ups for early detection. For those with diabetes, consistent monitoring, medication adherence, and regular doctor consultations are essential.
