A child participating in a painting competition for Diabetes Day 2026 at WHO Pakistan premises in Islamabad explains through her art the importance of early action on diabetes. Photo credit: Suzanna Masih/WHO Pakistan
Ahead of World Diabetes Day, the World Health Organization reminds the importance of early detection and prevention through healthy diets, at least 150 minutes of exercise per week, and regular check-ups for people of all ages – including children –.
Islamabad, Pakistan – Ahead of World Diabetes Day – observed on 14 November – the World Health Organization (WHO) calls on all families in Pakistan to take action to prevent and detect diabetes, a silent killer affecting 34.5 million people in Pakistan – including 1 in 3 adults. Healthy diets, at least 150 minutes of exercise per week, and regular medical check-ups are crucial to preventing diabetes, detecting it early and ensuring timely, life-saving treatment for people of all ages, including children.
Pakistan has the highest diabetes burden globally in percentage terms and accounts for more than 40% of the total estimated cases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Four in 10 people living with diabetes in the Region do not know they have the disease, increasing their risk of serious health complications such as blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes and lower limb amputations.
Under the theme “Early Action on Diabetes,” WHO this year emphasizes the importance of prevention and early detection to ensure prompt treatment, improve quality of life and prevent serious complications.
“Diabetes poses a serious threat to our health, and today WHO calls on all families of Pakistan to adopt a healthy lifestyle to build a healthier future for them and for their children. More than 95% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, which is often preventable through a healthy diet – including limiting the consumption of sugar and saturated fats –, avoiding tobacco, and exercising regularly. Until recently, this type of diabetes was seen only in adults, but it is now increasingly occurring in children, mainly due to poor diets and a lack of physical activity,” said WHO Representative in Pakistan, Dr Luo Dapeng.
“It is in our hands to build a healthier present and future for our families and our children, and WHO stands with the Government of Pakistan and its people to continue strengthening prevention, early detection and timely treatment.”
Globally, the number of people living with diabetes rose from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022. The prevalence of the disease is rising more rapidly in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries.
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented and the consequences of all types of diabetes (including type 1 and gestational diabetes) can be minimized or delayed by maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, detecting the disease early, seeking treatment when needed, avoiding tobacco, and reducing sugar and saturated fats intake. Early detection and timely treatment are essential to avoiding medical complications and can be life-saving.
Type 1 diabetes (previously known as insulin-dependent, juvenile or childhood-onset diabetes) is characterized by deficient insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin. In 2025 there were around 9.5 million people living with type 1 diabetes, with more than 500 000 new cases diagnosed; the majority of them live in high-income countries. Neither its cause nor the means to prevent it are known. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin injections for survival. One of the most important ways to manage diabetes is also to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
