University of Southern Punjab, Multan, Pakistan, Observes World Diabetes Day 2026, Emphasizes Early Action on Diabetes Awareness, and Healthy Dietary Habits

The University of Southern Punjab (USP), Multan, Pakistan, observed World Diabetes Day 2026 under the theme “Early Action on Diabetes,” highlighting the importance of early detection, healthy dietary practices, public awareness, and access to reliable healthcare information to prevent and manage diabetes.

TikTok Videos highlighting this event are available here: Video 1,  Video 2 

The event brought together healthcare professionals, academic staff, and students to discuss the growing problem of diabetes and the need for prevention through informed lifestyle choices and early medical intervention.

A key part of the program was a lecture by Ms. Areeja Nasir (RDN), Senior Clinical Dietitian and President of the Pakistan Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (PSPEN). She shared her experience and explained how healthy eating habits and good nutrition help prevent and control diabetes. She stressed that balanced meals, mindful eating, regular exercise, and healthy routines can help lower the risk of diabetes and its complications.

Dr Yasmeen Mushtaq spoke about the role of public awareness and health education in managing diabetes. She pointed out that when people and communities are aware, they can identify risk factors, seek medical advice early, and take steps to prevent the disease.

Mr Ali Haider (Lecturer in Medical Science Technology) gave a talk on the various tests available for detecting diabetes and the importance of timely lab tests and screening to detect diabetes as early as possible, so people can get the medical help they need before any serious complications arise.

Ms Aimen Mazhar spoke about the importance of World Diabetes Day. She emphasized the need to raise awareness among students and the wider community about diabetes prevention, early diagnosis, and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.

Prof Emeritus Dr Muhammad Mukhtar, Rector of the University of Southern Punjab, spoke to the group about the importance of accurate health knowledge and sharing it with the public in terms they can understand and use to make informed health decisions. He stressed that scientific knowledge is only valuable when shared. He also noted that universities have a role beyond the classroom in improving community health through disease prevention and public awareness.

He also stressed that getting the right health information early on, knowing the warning signs, getting screened, and seeing a doctor when needed can go a long way toward preventing, or at the very least delaying, the onset of diabetes-related problems. He thanked the speakers and organizers for raising awareness of this important health issue at the university.

This clearly demonstrated the University of Southern Punjab's commitment to health education, health promotion, and community involvement. The event aimed to reinforce the message that early awareness helps people make better choices, act in time, and live healthier lives.

Prof. Mukhtar highly appreciated the Dean, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, for regularly organizing meaningful academic and health-awareness activities at the University. He acknowledged that such initiatives give students valuable opportunities to interact with leading healthcare professionals, gain practical insights beyond classroom learning, and stay abreast of emerging healthcare challenges. He emphasized that these intellectually enriching engagements play an important role in strengthening students' professional competencies, broadening their perspectives, and preparing them to become responsible healthcare practitioners and contributors to society.

The event concluded by supporting the need to incorporate health awareness into the university curriculum and urging students to promote healthy living in their families and communities.