Over 522 million people are currently living with diabetes globally. Most of these cases are type 2 diabetes, which is largely preventable through regular physical activity, a healthy and balanced diet and the promotion of healthy living environment. Families have a key role to play in addressing the modifiable risk factors for type 2 diabetes for patients and must be provided with educational and awareness resources and a suitable environment to live and adopt a healthier lifestyle, Shifa International Hospital Endocrinologist Consultant Dr Osama Ishtiaq said, while addressing a seminar to commemorate World Diabetes Day. Dr Osama Ishtiaq said that diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas is no longer able to make insulin, or when the body cannot make good use of the insulin it produces. Not being able to produce insulin or use it effectively leads to raised glucose levels in the blood. Over the long-term, high glucose levels are associated with damage to the body and failure of various organs and tissues. Capital Development Authority (CDA) General Health Services Director Dr Hassan Orooj stressed the need to educate communities to restrain sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, and lack of exercise and physical activity, which are among major controllable factors to prevent diabetes prevalence. He further announced that CDA Directorate of Health and SIH would jointly collaborate to launch a community health awareness campaign in Islamabad shortly. SIH Associate Consultant Endocrinologist Dr Umar Yousaf Raja Khan said that one in two people currently living with diabetes is undiagnosed. Most cases are affected by type 2 diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment are key elements to prevent the complications of diabetes and achieve healthy outcomes. Published in Daily Times, November 15th 2018.