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25 pc people suffering

from diabetes

KARACHI: As many as 25 percent of the people in the country are suffering from diabetes.

This was stated by Pakistan Society of Physicians (PSP), President Dr. Maqbool Jafary, while talking to reporters here on Friday after the inaugural session of the 15th annual symposium of the PSP.

Referring to several surveys, he said of these 25 percent, 15 percent afflicted with what was termed as "frank diabetes" while 10 percent are borderline case which at any time can suffer from such malady.

Dr. Jafary said the ratio of male and female as far as diabetes is concerned is 50:50.

He pointed out that 15 percent of the population in the country up to 18 years of age, are suffering from blood pressure.

In the age group of 45 years, the percentage of those inflicted with high blood pressure is 35 percent. As many as 65 percent of the females above 60 years of age, suffer from blood pressure.

The PSP chief said the complications of diabetes and blood pressure are enormous. These are, he added, paralysis, heart attack, kidney failure, impairment of vision, etc.

He stated that blood pressure and diabetes to expectant mothers is dangerous for the woman as well as the foetus.

Infections and use of medicines during pregnancy also have an adverse impact on the foetus.ÑAPP