Islamabad:President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have emphasized the need for collective efforts to combat diabetes, highlighting the importance of early screening, timely diagnosis, and the adoption of healthy lifestyles.

According to Radio Pakistan, both leaders expressed these sentiments in their messages marking World Diabetes Day. They underscored the significance of this year's theme, "Early Action on Diabetes."

President Zardari noted that the International Diabetes Federation estimates 34.5 million adults in Pakistan were living with diabetes in 2024, with over a quarter undiagnosed. He encouraged citizens to lead healthier lifestyles by reducing sugar intake, engaging in regular physical activity, and undergoing timely medical screenings.

Furthermore, the President called on federal and provincial governments, healthcare professionals, educational institutions, and the media to implement coordinated public awareness campaigns, especially targeting rural and remote communities.

Prime Minister Sharif described diabetes as an escalating public health issue in Pakistan and emphasized the necessity of early screening and timely medical intervention to prevent complications. He announced that the Federal Government has allocated 6.8 billion rupees to the Prime Minister's Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes Mellitus, which aims to enhance early detection, strengthen primary healthcare services, and improve access to diagnosis and treatment.

The Prime Minister also urged citizens to integrate regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and medical check-ups into their daily routines.