Bangladesh ranks eighth in the world in terms of diabetes patients, underscoring a serious public health challenge.
The number of people affected by this long-term, insulin-dependent disease is rising rapidly worldwide, putting pressure on healthcare systems everywhere.
On Friday, Bangladesh, along with nearly 170 countries worldwide, observed “World Diabetes Day.” This year’s theme is “Creating Diabetes Awareness in the Workplace.”
Long hours of sedentary work, mental stress, and irregular lifestyles have significantly increased the prevalence of diabetes among working populations. The day aimed to raise awareness about this issue.
Professor AK Azad Khan, president of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh, said that workplaces are where adults spend a significant portion of their lives. Employees often spend hours in stressful office environments. High levels of stress can raise blood glucose levels.
Diabetes not only affects the physical health of individuals but also has negative impacts on their work performance, ultimately reducing productivity, he added.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) began observing World Diabetes Day in 1991.
According to the IDF, diabetes is a condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or insulin does not function properly, resulting in abnormally high blood sugar levels. Once diagnosed, the disease requires lifelong management. Globally, millions of people are newly diagnosed each year, making diabetes a worldwide pandemic.
The prevalence of diabetes in South Asia is increasing faster than in other regions. Urbanization, dietary changes, consumption of processed foods, reduced physical activity, and increased stress are identified as the main causes.
According to a recent IDF report, Pakistan has the highest prevalence in South Asia (31.4%), followed by Bangladesh, where 13.2% of adults suffer from diabetes or pre-diabetes. Other countries include Afghanistan (11.7%), India (10.5%), Sri Lanka (10.2%), the Maldives (9.5%), and Nepal (7.7%).
Experts warn that rapid changes in lifestyle and diet could increase the risk in the coming years.
In Bangladesh, the prevalence of diabetes has risen alarmingly over the past two decades. The number of patients increased from 1.8 million in 2000 to 8.4 million in 2011, and reached approximately 13.9 million in 2024.
Urban areas show a significantly higher prevalence, ranging from 16% to 18%, while rural areas, though relatively lower, have now reached 8% to 10% and are rapidly increasing.
Sedentary work, irregular diets, stress, obesity, lack of exercise, and consumption of fatty foods are the primary contributing factors.
More than half of diabetes patients are unaware of their condition. As a result, sudden complications may lead to life-threatening situations such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and limb amputation.
The prevalence among women is also rising rapidly. According to the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Bangladesh, the rate of gestational diabetes has increased from 10% a decade ago to 24% currently.
More than 1,000 women in Bangladesh are newly diagnosed with diabetes every day, many of whom are pregnant. Pregnant women with type 2 diabetes also increase the risk of their children developing diabetes in the future.
Healthcare costs are another major challenge for diabetes patients. Patients report that essential tests, doctor’s fees, medications, and transportation during pre-diabetic stages account for about 30% of total treatment costs. If the disease progresses to a complicated stage, this expense can rise to 80%.
Although medicines worth approximately Tk1,000 are provided free of charge at Upazila Health Complexes and community clinics, the overall diabetes management rate in Bangladesh is only 13%. In areas where free diagnostic services are available, management rates have improved to 60%.
Experts recommend regular exercise, a balanced diet, avoiding high-calorie and sugary foods, reducing mental stress, avoiding midday naps, and following medical advice as the most effective ways to prevent diabetes. Regular blood glucose testing is also essential.
This year, various programs are being held in Bangladesh to observe World Diabetes Day. A rally was organized from Shahbagh Market Car Parking to Tennis Court Gate at 8:30am.
On Saturday, discussions and advisory sessions with expert doctors and patients are scheduled at 10am, followed by a panel discussion at 12pm.
Free diabetes testing will be available at the Bangladesh Medical University and NTM–A centers from 8am to 11am, and blood donation programs will run from 8am to 4pm.
Additionally, an all-day health camp has been organized near the Kidney Hospital area, where patients can receive free checkups, medical advice, blood glucose tests, insulin administration, and other necessary examinations.