Diabetes Care
Pakistan has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world, and millions of Pakistanis are living with undiagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes, silently suffering its devastating complications. At Lions Medical Complex in Gulberg, Lahore, we provide integrated, comprehensive diabetes care that addresses not just blood sugar control but all the serious complications of diabetes, including diabetic eye disease, foot care, physiotherapy, and dietary management all under one roof.
The Diabetes Crisis in Pakistan
Pakistan ranks among the top 10 countries in the world for diabetes prevalence:
• Over 33 million Pakistanis are estimated to have diabetes
• More than 50% of diabetic patients in Pakistan are undiagnosed
• Pakistan has one of the fastest-growing diabetes rates in the world
• Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and amputation in Pakistan
Early diagnosis, consistent monitoring, and proper management are the only way to prevent these life-altering complications.
Types of Diabetes
• Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Requires daily insulin injections for life. Usually diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood.
• Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form (90%+ of cases). The body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use it effectively (insulin resistance). Strongly linked to obesity, physical inactivity, and family history.
• Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy. Increases risk of complications for mother and baby, and increases the mother’s lifetime risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
• Pre-Diabetes: Blood sugar levels higher than normal but not yet diabetic. A critical opportunity for prevention through lifestyle changes.
Comprehensive Diabetes Services at Lions Medical Complex
1. Diabetes Diagnosis & Screening
• Fasting blood glucose test
• HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) the gold standard test for long-term blood sugar control
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) for gestational diabetes
• Complete metabolic panel including kidney function (creatinine, eGFR), lipid profile, liver function
2. Diabetes Management & Monitoring
Our physicians work with each patient to create a personalised diabetes management plan including:
• Oral medications (Metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, etc.)
• Insulin therapy (for Type 1 and advanced Type 2 diabetes)
• Continuous monitoring of HbA1c, blood pressure, and weight
• Patient education on self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG)
3. Diabetic Eye Disease (Diabetic Retinopathy) – Our Speciality
As an eye hospital, Lions Medical Complex has a unique advantage in managing the most common cause of blindness in diabetic patients — diabetic retinopathy. High blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels supplying the retina, causing them to leak, swell, or grow abnormally.
Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy:
• Non-Proliferative DR: Early stage — small haemorrhages and exudates in the retina. Managed with blood sugar and blood pressure control.
• Proliferative DR: Advanced stage — new abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina and can bleed into the vitreous or cause retinal detachment. Requires urgent laser or surgical treatment.
• Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO): Swelling in the macula (central retina) causes blurred central vision. Treated with intravitreal injections (anti-VEGF agents) or laser.
Treatment Options for Diabetic Eye Disease at Lions:
• Pan-Retinal Photocoagulation (PRP laser)
• Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injections (Bevacizumab, Ranibizumab)
• Vitrectomy for advanced proliferative DR with vitreous haemorrhage
4. Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes causes nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood circulation in the feet, making diabetic foot ulcers a major cause of amputation in Pakistan. Our team provides:
• Foot examinations and risk assessment
• Wound care and ulcer management
• Referral to vascular surgery when required
• Patient education on daily foot care
• Footwear advice
5. Dietary & Lifestyle Counselling
Diet and physical activity are the foundation of diabetes management. Our nutritionist and physiotherapy teams work together to help patients achieve:
• Healthy, sustainable dietary changes
• Weight management
• Structured exercise programmes safe for diabetic patients
6. Diabetes in Pregnancy (Gestational Diabetes)
We provide monitoring and management of gestational diabetes in close collaboration with obstetric teams to ensure the safety of mother and baby.
Diabetes Complications We Monitor and Manage
• Eye complications: Diabetic retinopathy, macular oedema, cataract (accelerated), glaucoma
• Kidney disease (nephropathy): Regular urine and blood tests to detect early kidney damage
• Nerve damage (neuropathy): Burning, tingling, numbness especially in the feet
• Heart disease: Diabetes doubles the risk of heart attack and stroke
• Foot ulcers and amputation prevention
• Sexual dysfunction: A common but underreported complication of diabetes in men
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Diabetes Care Lahore
A: Type 2 diabetes can often be put into remission with significant weight loss and lifestyle changes particularly in the early stages. While it cannot always be “cured,” many patients achieve normal blood sugar levels without medication through sustained dietary changes and exercise.
A: Every diabetic patient should have a dilated retinal examination at least once a year. If diabetic retinopathy is detected, more frequent examinations (every 3–6 months) are needed.
A: For most non-pregnant diabetic adults, the target HbA1c is below 7.0%. Pre-diabetes is HbA1c 5.7%–6.4%. A value of 6.5% or above on two occasions confirms diabetes.
A: Yes. Early-stage retinopathy can often be arrested with good blood sugar and blood pressure control. Advanced stages require laser treatment or intravitreal injections, which are very effective when started early. This is why annual eye examinations for all diabetic patients are so important.
Book Your Diabetes Consultation at Lions Medical Complex, Lahore
Diabetes requires a lifetime of management but with the right team by your side, you can live a full, healthy, complication-free life. Our integrated diabetes care team at Gulberg, Lahore is here to help.
Call us: 0333 3320256 | 
7-8/B Main Market, Gulberg II, Lahore | 
Mon–Sat: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
