Islamabad: Pakistan now has 34.5 million people living with diabetes, a sharp increase from the International Diabetes Federation’s earlier estimate of 33 million, new WHO figures released on World Diabetes Day 2025 show. Health officials say this confirms that Pakistan continues to carry the highest proportional diabetes burden in the world, with one in three adults already affected.
WHO and the Ministry of Health warned on Friday that the country now accounts for more than 40 percent of all diabetes cases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. They urged people to seek screening and adopt preventive lifestyles as the disease continues to rise across all age groups.
The previous global assessment by the IDF had placed Pakistan’s diabetes population at 33 million, already the third highest in the world. WHO’s latest update shows the burden growing further, underscoring the urgency of early detection and stronger national prevention programmes.
WHO and the Ministry of Health organised nationwide screening activities this week to mark World Diabetes Day. Health workers conducted rapid tests at medical facilities, reminding people that four in ten diabetics in the region do not know they have the condition.
Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal said Pakistan is scaling up early detection and free screening under the Prime Minister’s Diabetes Programme. He urged people to understand their personal risk, get tested and adopt healthier eating and regular physical activity.
WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng said diabetes remains a silent killer that can be prevented or delayed through simple changes and routine medical checkups. He reaffirmed WHO’s support to Pakistan in improving early diagnosis and better access to treatment.
Global estimates show diabetes cases rising from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022. The increase is fastest in low and middle income countries where early screening and preventive services remain limited.
Experts say type 2 diabetes can be prevented by maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, avoiding tobacco and reducing sugar intake. Timely treatment and regular monitoring can also reduce the risk of complications including blindness, kidney failure, stroke and limb amputation.
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