Diabetes mellitus in Pakistan: prevalence and preventive management strategies – a comprehensive literature review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin secretion, action, or both. As a major global health concern, its prevalence is rapidly increasing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan. This review aims to assess the epidemiological trends of DM in Pakistan, identify key risk factors, and explore diagnostic practices and preventive strategies. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed national and international publications from multiple databases. The review focused on the prevalence of DM in Pakistan, associated risk factors, urban–rural disparities, diagnostic criteria (ADA vs. WHO), complications, technological applications in disease management, and levels of awareness and treatment practices. The prevalence of DM in Pakistan increased significantly from 5.2 million adults in 2000 to approximately 33 million in 2021. Contributing factors include urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and limited healthcare access, especially in rural regions. Urban areas showed higher detection rates, while rural areas exhibited significant barriers to diagnosis and management. Technological solutions, such as telemedicine and mobile health applications, offer promise but face obstacles like limited infrastructure and affordability. Diabetes-related complications particularly cardiovascular and kidney diseases—are widespread. Despite treatment availability, awareness and adherence remain low, with notable disparities between knowledge and practice. Pakistan is facing an escalating diabetes epidemic influenced by both behavioral and systemic factors. Immediate action is needed to implement targeted public health interventions, improve healthcare accessibility, and promote awareness and lifestyle modification. Leveraging technology and aligning with standardized diagnostic frameworks may significantly enhance early detection and effective management, ultimately reducing the national burden of DM. • Diabetes prevalence in Pakistan has risen sharply, from 5.2 million adults in 2000 to 33 million in 2021, driven by urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and poor dietary habits. • Rural areas face significant barriers to diabetes diagnosis and management due to limited healthcare access, while urban areas report higher prevalence due to better detection rates. • Diabetes-related complications, such as cardiovascular disease and kidney failure, are widespread, highlighting the need for better disease management and patient education. • Telemedicine, mobile health apps, and wearable devices offer potential solutions for diabetes management, but challenges like high costs and limited internet access hinder widespread adoption.