The Documentary Podcast

Diabetes in Pakistan: A nation's struggle

Jul 3, 2025
A growing diabetes crisis grips Pakistan, with type 2 diabetes rates soaring to the highest globally. Personal stories highlight the emotional challenges and health struggles faced by millions. Many sufferers remain undiagnosed due to stigma and lack of access to glucose monitoring kits. The healthcare system's inadequacies and financial burdens amplify the difficulties of managing the condition. Innovative measures in Punjab aim to improve healthcare and combat the crisis. The podcast sheds light on the urgent need for awareness and effective management strategies.
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ANECDOTE

Lubna's Personal Diabetes Connection

  • Lubna Kerr shares her personal connection with diabetes through her mum and brother, making her exploration deeply personal.
  • Her background as a pharmacist enriches her understanding of the disease's impact on families in Pakistan.
INSIGHT

Pakistan's Diabetes Epidemic Scale

  • Pakistan has the highest age-standardized diabetes prevalence globally at 31.4%.
  • Over 27% of Pakistanis with diabetes are undiagnosed, making early intervention challenging.
INSIGHT

Silent Onset & Severe Complications

  • Diabetes often goes unnoticed until severe complications like stroke, vision loss, or renal failure occur.
  • Diabetes is now the leading cause of renal failure in Pakistan, surpassing infections.
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