ISLAMABAD, MAR 5 /DNA/: Highlighting the growing global burden of diabetes, Experts on Thursday stressed on the importance of balanced diet, lifestyle management and effective control of the Diabetic disease, while noting that stem cell therapy is emerging as a promising treatment for Type 1 diabetes, though research in Pakistan is still in its early stages.
Diabetes expert Prof. Dr. Javed Akram, while speaking to a local news channel, said stem cell therapy has been introduced by Chinese researchers and is being explored as a potential treatment for Type 1
diabetes. However, he added that the therapy is still in its early stages and Pakistan requires further practical research before it could be considered a viable treatment option.
Dr. Javed Akram noted that although stem cell therapy has generated hope among patients and medical professionals, it cannot yet be described as a guaranteed or curative treatment for diabetes.
He emphasized that extensive clinical trials and scientific studies were necessary to determine its effectiveness and safety, particularly in Pakistan’s healthcare environment.
Speaking on prevention, Dr. Akram highlighted the importance of maternal health, saying that mothers should receive proper care and nutritious food during pregnancy. He explained that good maternal nutrition and health management could help reduce the risk of children developing diabetes later in life, even in their early adulthood.
Meanwhile, Erum Ghafoor, Vice President of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), stressed the importance of awareness, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle to control the growing burden of diabetes.
She said while innovative treatments like stem cell therapy are being explored globally, prevention, early diagnosis and lifestyle management remain the most effective ways to tackle the disease.
In conclusion, the experts emphasized that adopting a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle remains the most effective way to prevent and control diabetes.
They urged the public to focus on regular physical activity, nutritious food, routine medical checkups and greater awareness about the disease.
While new treatments such as stem cell therapy may offer hope in the future, adding that prevention through healthy living and proper dietary habits is currently the most reliable strategy to reduce the growing burden of diabetes.
