Pakistan now has the highest diabetes rate in the world, with medical experts warning of a silent but devastating health crisis affecting millions.
Doctors say one in 10 diabetics in the country suffers from diabetic foot disease, a condition that can lead to serious injuries or amputations if left untreated.
Millions at risk of amputations
According to Professor Zahid Mian, who spoke at the inauguration of a modern multi-disciplinary clinic in Karachi, more than 3.4 million Pakistanis are currently at risk of serious injuries or amputations due to diabetic complications. He stressed that diabetes is not only the leading cause of amputations worldwide but also a major driver of kidney failure.
Beyond blood sugar: life-threatening impacts
“Diabetes is one of the leading causes of stroke, kidney failure, and amputations globally,” Prof. Mian noted. “These are not just numbers -- they represent lives being lost or forever changed.”
Health experts further warned that diabetes in Pakistan is fueling a surge in heart attacks, strokes, vision loss, and long-term disabilities. They emphasised the urgent need for early detection, lifestyle changes, and proper medical management to curb the rising toll.
