Sir Syed College of Medical Sciences for Girls in collaboration Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine (PSIM), High-Q Pharmaceuticals as main sponsor and Pharmevo, Hilton, Martin Dow, BF Bioscience and Ferozsons Laboratories as co-sponsors organized an Awareness Seminar on Cardio-Metabolic Disorders recently at a local hotel in Karachi. The theme of the Seminar was ‘Focused on understanding the risk and prevention of heart disease and metabolic disorders’.
Speaking as the chief guest, Prof. Javed Akram, President of Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine emphasized that students are the future of the medical profession. He stressed that nothing can be achieved without hard work and advised against waiting for opportunities, encouraging students to be proactive in their pursuits. He added that students have the potential to raise Pakistan’s flag high through their achievements. Highlighting the importance of research, he noted that the health of children is determined by the condition of cells in the fetus. He also shared that, thanks to modern drugs and the latest treatments, diabetes has now become a reversible disease. He underlined the importance of disease prevention, advocating for lifestyle changes to avoid health issues and pledged to defeat diabetes. He also announced that PSIM will be organizing its annual conference in February 2024.
Prof. Zaman A. Shaikh, Professor of Medicine & HOD, Institute of Diabetes & Endocrinology, Sir Syed College of Medical Sciences described diabetes as a silent killer and noted that it ranks as the third most prevalent disease in Pakistan due to its high occurrence. In Pakistan, 1 in 4 people is affected by diabetes. It is considered a comprehensive disease because it is linked to multiple other conditions including cardiovascular diseases, kidney issues, metabolic syndrome, and obesity that’s why it is referred to as a metabolic syndrome. He further said that diabetes gradually damages the body without noticeable symptoms or pain; in fact, 70% of diabetes patients experience no pain. World Diabetes Day is celebrated in November aimed to raise awareness about this condition but it poses serious threat to our healthcare system. He believed that awareness efforts should continue throughout the year.
Prof. Bikha Ram Devrajani, Vice Chancellor, LUMHS, Jamshoro talking about Diabetes Neuropathy said that high blood glucose levels and fats such as triglycerides in the blood can damage nerves leads to weakness in the thighs, hips and legs. It is the most common disease associated with diabetes in the world. He further said that studies have proved that only 25% of people having peripheral neuropathy have symptoms including burning of feet whereas 50% of the people who have peripheral neuropathy do not know about their ailment. It wounds the feet and due to neglecting the wound grows and becomes serious. It is the most prevalent subtype that lead to significant complications ranging from paresthesia to loss of limb and life.
Prof. Syed Masroor, Professor of Medicine at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi, highlighted the benefits of lifestyle modifications in managing diabetes. He explained that type 2 diabetes is the most common form, primarily caused by insulin resistance which triggers various changes in the body. Between 80 to 95 percent of people with diabetes are affected by this condition, which gradually damages all the body’s organs. He emphasized the importance of lifestyle changes, especially exercise, in preventing cardio-metabolic diseases.
Prof. Abdul Manan Jonejo, Professor and Head of the Nephrology Department at JPMC, spoke on diabetic nephropathy noting that diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). He explained that 70% of these cases are preventable with proper treatment. Early detection, prevention, and effective management can significantly reduce the risk of chronic complications. While CKD is irreversible, controlling diabetes and hypertension can prevent up to 70% of cases. He stressed the critical importance of managing diabetes effectively.
Prof. Nawaz Lashri, Head of the Cardiology Department at DUHS/CHK and President of the Hypertension League discussed the link between diabetes and hypertension. He pointed out that 42% of people with hypertension are unaware they have the condition, as it often presents no symptoms, earning it the name silent killer. He emphasized the role of exercise in achieving optimal weight, which in turn helps control blood sugar levels and lowers the risk of hypertension.
Prof. Khawar Kazmi, Head of the Preventive Cardiology Department at NICVD, addressed the connection between diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). He noted that 60 to 70% of deaths among diabetes patients are due to CVD. Poor lifestyle choices and genetic factors have exacerbated the situation. He warned that cardio-metabolic diseases often develop without symptoms, becoming apparent only through their complications. Prevention, especially through dietary and lifestyle changes, is essential to curbing these conditions. He called for both individual and collective efforts to address these chronic diseases.
Renowned gynecologist Prof. Sabeen Naz Masood discussed the impact of diabetes on women, highlighting its role in exacerbating other chronic conditions. She stressed that diabetes can lead to numerous complications in women, particularly during pregnancy. She urged the monitoring of blood sugar levels before and during pregnancy to avoid negative effects on fetal development and recommended screening for diabetes during pregnancy.
Prof. Akhter Ali Baloch, Director of the National Institute of Diabetes & Endocrinology at DUHS, spoke on diabetes and obesity, noting that Pakistan ranks 9th globally in obesity over the past two decades. He referred to obesity as the mother of all diseases and attributed it to lifestyle changes. Prof. Baloch called for an emphasis on prevention and a widespread mass awareness campaign to address this growing issue.
Dr. Zeeshan Ali, Senior Registrar at JPMC Karachi addressed the link between diabetes and liver diseases. He stated that diabetic patients face a high risk of liver diseases, with three-quarters of them affected. He pointed out the lack of awareness around this issue, noting that 40% of diabetes patients also suffer from hepatitis and cirrhosis. He emphasized the need for early detection, prevention, and management of liver diseases in diabetic patients, with special attention to fatty liver disease.
Dr. Shehla Naseem, General Secretary, College of Family Medicine spoke on Primary case in diabetes patients. She said that diabetes care outcome should be better in primary care settings with patient centric approach. Patient first goes to primary doctors then they are referred to the specialists. Pakistan lack different specialists including diabetoligsts. In order to reduce the gap, College of Family Medicine started multiple diploma and certificate programs in collaboration with different university in Pakistan.
Atif Iqbal, Chief Executive Officer, High Q Pharmaceuticals spoke on Relation of pharma companies with healthcare providers. He said that role of pharma companies is very important because it brings latest technology, drugs and information for doctors. Similarly, Pharma companies partners with organizations for patient advocacy and disease awareness so that patient can get better treatment. High-Q Pharmacuticals is also working on the same theme with the motto that people should be healthier. Effectively combating the prevailing diabetes menace through lifestyle modifications and effective treatment is very important.
Experts from Lahore including Prof. Aziz Ur Rehman, Prof. Aftab Mohsin and Prof. Al Farid ul Zafar in his address shed light on the significance of lifestyle modifications in averting diabetes and heart disease considering their substantial impact on morbidity, mortality, and economic burdens. Now it is time of evidence based medicine. Leader role is very important. Due to advancement, life expectancy has increased as compare to older decades. They thanked Prof. Zaman A. Shaikh and organizing for organizing such informative seminar and suggested to organize similar seminar in Lahore also.
Earlier, Prof. Zaman A. Shaikh presented shields to the Chief Guest and speakers.