Category: News

Faisalabad: The National Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFSAT), University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), organized a one-day seminar titled “Zero Calories, Zero Concerns? A Critical Look at Non-Nutritive Sweeteners” to promote scientific understanding of non-nutritive sweeteners and their role in diabetes management, food innovation, and public health.

The seminar was organized under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Imran Pasha, Dean, Faculty of Food, Nutrition & Home Sciences, UAF. Distinguished experts addressed the participants, including Dr. Ahmad Shahzad, Founding President of Lyallpur Diabetes Foundation (LDF), Dr. Muhammad Abid Bashir (King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia, via Zoom), Dr. Safia Mughal, and Mr. Majid Majeed of the Punjab Food Authority. The speakers discussed the latest scientific evidence, clinical applications, regulatory aspects, and public health implications of non-nutritive sweeteners. More than 200 participants, including faculty members, researchers, healthcare professionals, students, food scientists, and representatives from various organizations, attended the seminar. The event also highlighted ongoing research on diabetes-friendly food products and encouraged future collaborations in nutrition, food safety, and public health. Participants appreciated NIFSAT-UAF for organizing an informative academic event that promoted evidence-based awareness and healthier dietary choices.

Faisalabad, June 12: Lyallpur Diabetes Foundation (LDF) organized a free health screening camp for the employees of Fashion & Style Fabric Mill as part of its ongoing commitment to promoting preventive healthcare and the early detection of chronic diseases.

A total of 250 employees participated in the screening camp, where free assessments of blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and Body Mass Index (BMI) were conducted. The activity aimed to identify individuals at risk of diabetes, hypertension, and other lifestyle-related conditions while encouraging healthy living practices.

During the screening, several participants were found to have elevated blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Each participant received individualized counseling regarding their screening results, along with guidance on healthy dietary habits, regular physical activity, weight management, and other lifestyle modifications. Medical advice and treatment recommendations were also provided to those requiring further evaluation and follow-up. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ahmad Shahzad, Lyallpur Diabetes Foundation emphasized the importance of regular health screening and early intervention in preventing chronic diseases. The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to organizing community-based health initiatives aimed at improving public awareness and promoting healthier lifestyles across Faisalabad and surrounding areas.

Faisalabad, July 5: Lyallpur Diabetes Foundation (LDF), in collaboration with the Primary care diabetes association (PCDA), organized a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session on “Clinical Updates on Sotagliflozin in Diabetes Management” at Serena Hotel, Faisalabad.

The scientific session featured an insightful lecture by Prof. Dr. Javed Akram, who discussed the latest evidence on the role of SGLT2 inhibitors in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, with particular emphasis on cardiorenal protection, patient selection, safety profile, and practical clinical application.

The session was moderated by Dr. Ahmad Shahzad and attended by more than 40 consultants, physicians, postgraduate trainees, and general practitioners from Faisalabad and surrounding areas. An interactive question-and-answer session enabled participants to discuss real-world clinical challenges and emerging treatment strategies.

The chairing panel, comprising senior diabetes experts, appreciated the scientific value of the activity and emphasized the importance of adopting evidence-based therapies to improve patient outcomes. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, reaffirming LDF’s commitment to promoting continuous medical education and advancing diabetes care through academic collaboration and professional development.

Liverpool (UK), April 23: Lyallpur Diabetes Foundation (LDF) achieved a significant milestone in international collaboration by holding a strategic meeting with leading diabetes experts from the United Kingdom on the sidelines of a major diabetes event in Liverpool. The meeting was led by Dr. Ahmad Shahzad, President of LDF, along with a delegation from Faisalabad Medical University and senior healthcare professionals from Pakistan.

During the meeting, LDF presented its vision of strengthening diabetes care in Pakistan through international partnerships, specialized healthcare services, academic collaboration, and community-based screening programs. An important outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Lyallpur Diabetes Foundation and SAMI Pharmaceuticals for the establishment of a Diabetes Spoke Clinic in Faisalabad under the internationally recognized Hub-and-Spoke Model, aimed at expanding access to high-quality diabetes care. The international faculty appreciated LDF’s initiatives and expressed their willingness to collaborate in future academic and clinical activities. They also accepted invitations to participate in the Diabetes Pakistan Conference, scheduled to be held in Faisalabad on 30–31 October 2026, where they will contribute as keynote speakers and scientific experts. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advancing diabetes education, research, and patient care through long-term international cooperation.

Faisalabad, March 31: Faisalabad Medical University (FMU) and Lyallpur Diabetes Foundation (LDF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance diabetic foot care services and establish a specialized Diabetic Foot Team at Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. The collaboration represents an important step toward improving the prevention, early diagnosis, and management of diabetic foot complications in the region.

Under the agreement, Lyallpur Diabetes Foundation will provide technical guidance, logistical support, and professional collaboration to assist FMU in establishing the multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Team. The initiative will facilitate comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services at Allied Hospital, ensuring timely intervention and improved clinical outcomes for patients with diabetes. Representatives of both institutions described the partnership as a significant milestone in strengthening diabetes care through academic and clinical collaboration. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to reducing diabetes-related complications, promoting evidence-based healthcare practices, and improving the quality of life for patients across Faisalabad and surrounding regions.

Faisalabad, April 12: Lyallpur Diabetes Foundation (LDF), in collaboration with the Primary Care Diabetes Association (PCDA), Pharmevo Pharma, and Novo Nordisk Pakistan, organized a public awareness session on obesity and healthy living at Chenab Club, Faisalabad. The event attracted more than 100 participants, highlighting the growing public interest in the prevention and management of obesity and diabetes.

The scientific session featured lectures by Prof. Dr. Hooria Aamir, who explained the physiology of obesity, Dr. Usman Musharaf, who emphasized recognizing obesity as a chronic disease, Dr. Ahmad Shahzad, who discussed the long-term health consequences of obesity and the importance of prevention, and Prof. Dr. Aamir Shaukat, who concluded the session with practical recommendations for adopting healthier lifestyles.

As part of the event, Lyallpur Diabetes Foundation also established a free health screening camp, offering BMI and waist circumference measurements, blood sugar and cholesterol testing, and visceral fat analysis. Participants received health education, individualized counseling, and guidance on lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases. The organizers reaffirmed their commitment to promoting public awareness and preventive healthcare through community-based educational initiatives.

Faisalabad, May 7: Lyallpur Diabetes Foundation (LDF), in collaboration with Ujala Foundation, organized a public awareness session and free health screening camp at Government College Women University Faisalabad with the support of the Primary Care Diabetes Association (PCDA), Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine (PSIM), and Getz Pharma. The initiative was aimed at promoting awareness about obesity, women’s health, and the prevention of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.

The scientific session featured lectures by Dr. Ahmad Shahzad, who delivered an informative talk titled “Live Lighter” on the importance of healthy lifestyle choices, Dr. Muhammad Irfan, who discussed the management and complications of obesity, and Prof. Dr. Samina Haq, who highlighted the impact of obesity on women’s health. Speakers emphasized that obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic illnesses, encouraging participants to adopt balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and healthy lifestyle practices. A free health screening camp was conducted alongside the seminar, offering blood sugar (RBS), Body Mass Index (BMI), and visceral fat assessments, along with nutritional counseling. A total of 236 participants underwent BMI screening, 162 received blood sugar testing, and 96 were assessed for visceral fat. University faculty, students, and healthcare professionals actively participated in the event. The organizers reaffirmed their commitment to promoting preventive healthcare through education, early screening, and community engagement to reduce the growing burden of obesity and diabetes.

These minutes summarize a high-level international meeting focused on strategic collaboration in diabetes care. Held in Liverpool, UK, the session brought together global experts, Pakistani academic leaders, and corporate partners. The key outcomes included the signing of an MOU, agreement on a “Hub and Spoke” clinic model, and commitments for future academic exchange and conference participation.

Minutes of Meeting

1. Meeting Details

• Subject: International Strategic Collaboration and MOU Signing for Diabetes Care
• Venue: Liverpool, UK (on the sidelines of the UK Diabetes Event)
• Date: 23 April 2026
• Chair: Dr. Ahmad Shahzad, President, Lyallpur Diabetes Foundation (LDF), and Prof. Dr. Aamir Shaukat (Pro-VC, Faisalabad Medical University).

2. Participants

International Faculty:

• Prof. Michael Edmonds (King’s College Hospital, London)
• Prof. Samuel Seidu (Leicester University Hospital)
• Dr. Bilal (Western University Hospitals)
• Dr. Nizam Darwesh (Aylesbury Vale Diabetes UK Group)

LDF & Academic Delegation:

• Dr. Ahmad Shahzad (President, LDF)
• Prof. Dr. Aamir Shaukat (Pro-VC, Faisalabad Medical University)
• Prof. Dr. Aamir Hussain
• Dr. Usman Musharraf
• Dr. Zeeshan Chughtai
• Dr. Ghulam Abbas
• Dr. Irfan

Corporate Partners & Observers:

• Sami Pharmaceuticals: Mr. Amir Naveed and Dr. Muhammad Ahmed
• Various medical consultants from the UK and Pakistan

3. Briefing on LDF Mission and Vision

A comprehensive overview of LDF was presented, highlighting its role in diabetes care in Pakistan.

• Mission:
  • Eradicating the burden of diabetes through specialized care, education, and early screening
• Achievements:
  • Successful rural health initiatives
  • Academic collaborations with Faisalabad Medical University (FMU)
• Vision:
  • Achieving international standards of diabetes care in Pakistan through global partnerships

4. MOU Signing: “Hub and Spoke” Clinic Model

A significant milestone was the signing of an MOU between LDF and Sami Pharmaceuticals.

• Establishment of a specialized Diabetes Spoke Clinic in Faisalabad
• Implementation of the “Hub and Spoke” healthcare model
• Expansion of access to quality diabetes care in underserved areas
• Recognition and appreciation from international faculty
• Alignment with successful UK integrated care systems (e.g., Leicester model)

5. Conference Invitations & Consent

The meeting also focused on strengthening academic collaboration through future engagements.

• Invitation extended for Diabetes Pakistan Conference (October 30–31, Faisalabad)
• Positive response from all international faculty members
• Confirmed interest from:
  • Prof. Samuel Seidu
  • Prof. Michael Edmonds
  • Dr. Bilal
  • Dr. Nizam Darwesh
• Prof. Samuel Seidu agreed to:
  • Deliver a keynote lecture
  • Participate in a scientific talk show

6. Action Items

Clear next steps were outlined to ensure implementation of decisions.

• LDF Secretariat:
  • Issue formal email invitations
  • Provide visa support documentation
• Sami Pharmaceuticals & LDF:
  • Conduct site assessment
  • Begin logistical planning for the Spoke Clinic

Conclusion

The meeting marked a significant step toward international collaboration in diabetes care. With strong commitments from global experts and local stakeholders, the initiatives discussed are expected to enhance healthcare delivery and set new standards in Pakistan.

Minutes Recorded By:
Office of the President
Lyallpur Diabetes Foundation (LDF)

On 24 March 2026, a significant scientific session titled Meta Connect Singapore was held at the Furoma Hotel, Singapore, bringing together leading clinicians from Pakistan. Organized under the platform of the Primary Care Diabetes Association Pakistan (PCDAP) and the Lyallpur Diabetes Foundation (LDF), Faisalabad, the event focused on strengthening chronic disease management, particularly diabetes care, within primary healthcare settings.

Setting the Tone for Scientific Exchange

The session began on a respectful note with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by opening remarks from Dr. Ahmad Shahzad, who also served as the moderator. He emphasized the growing burden of diabetes in Pakistan and highlighted the critical role of primary care physicians in early diagnosis, management, and prevention of complications.

Dr. Shahzad also outlined the shared mission of PCDAP and LDF—to improve diabetes care accessibility and quality at the grassroots level.

Insightful Presentations on Diabetes and Beyond

The session featured a series of expert-led presentations addressing key challenges and advancements in chronic disease management:

• Understanding Diabetic Complications
  Dr. Ahmad Shahzad delivered an in-depth presentation on the pathophysiology of diabetic complications, explaining how prolonged hyperglycemia impacts multiple organ systems. His talk emphasized practical insights relevant to primary care practitioners in Pakistan.
• Beyond Monotherapy in Type 2 Diabetes
  Dr. Aiman Malik discussed evolving treatment strategies, focusing on combination therapies that improve glycemic control while minimizing risks.
• Managing Diabetes in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
  Dr. Sohail Anjum highlighted safer therapeutic approaches for patients with diabetic kidney disease, stressing individualized treatment plans.
• Paradigm Shift in Acid Peptic Disease Management
  Dr. Gen Tassawar Hussain explored modern strategies in managing acid peptic disorders, linking gastrointestinal health with chronic disease care.
• Balancing Cost and Care
  Dr. Ahmad Shahzad also presented on the cost-effectiveness of chronic disease treatments, addressing one of the biggest barriers in patient adherence in developing healthcare systems.

Collaborative Panel Discussion

A highly engaging panel discussion followed, led by Dr. Muhammad Naeem, Dr. Ghazala Khalid, and Prof Dr Hafiz Rauf. The panel focused on “Breaking Barriers in Chronic Disease Management”, emphasizing the need for integrated care models that combine diabetes, renal, and gastrointestinal treatment strategies.

The discussion highlighted practical challenges faced by clinicians in Pakistan, including limited resources, patient awareness gaps, and affordability issues, while also proposing collaborative and scalable solutions.

Interactive Q&A Session

The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session moderated by Dr. Ahmad Shahzad. Participants actively engaged in discussions on real-world clinical scenarios, sharing experiences and solutions tailored to Pakistan’s healthcare landscape. The dialogue reinforced the importance of continuous education and collaboration in improving patient outcomes.

Key Takeaways

The Meta Connect Singapore session reinforced several important themes:

• The urgent need to strengthen primary care-based diabetes management in Pakistan
• The vital role of organizations like PCDAP in standardizing and improving care practices
• The impactful community work of LDF in raising awareness and supporting patients
• The importance of international collaboration, particularly with Singapore experts, in advancing research and education

Looking Ahead: Action and Impact

The session concluded with clear action points aimed at translating knowledge into practice:

• Implementation of newly discussed strategies by PCDAP and LDF in primary care settings across Faisalabad
• Strengthening partnerships with Singapore-based experts for ongoing education, training, and research collaboration

Bottom Line

The Meta Connect Singapore session served as a powerful platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation in chronic disease management. By bridging local expertise with international insights, PCDAP and LDF continue to pave the way for improved diabetes care in Pakistan—bringing meaningful change to primary healthcare systems and ultimately enhancing patient lives.