More than half of the people with diabetes in Bangladesh remain undiagnosed, even as the country ranks seventh globally in terms of the number of patients.
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), an estimated 13.9 million people aged 20 to 79 in Bangladesh were living with diabetes in 2024. With many unaware of their condition, the disease is often diagnosed late, exposing them to serious health risks.
Marking World Diabetes Day on November 14 , Bangladesh Diabetic Association (BADA) President Professor AK Azad Khan said at least 50% of people with diabetes in the country are unaware that they have the disease. A lack of awareness and failure to undergo regular health check-ups leave many cases undiagnosed.
The number of people living with this chronic disease is rising rapidly in Bangladesh and across the world, putting additional pressure on healthcare systems. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and limb loss.
This year's World Diabetes Day theme is “Diabetes: No delays, act now.” Awareness programmes are being organized in Bangladesh and countries around the world. The IDF and the World Health Organization (WHO) first observed the day in 1991, and it has since become an important global platform for raising awareness about the disease.
According to the IDF, diabetes develops when the body cannot produce enough insulin or when the insulin it produces does not function properly. This causes glucose (sugar) levels in the blood to rise. Once diagnosed, the condition generally requires lifelong management.
Cases up by 5.47 million in 13 years
According to the 11th edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas 2025, an estimated 13,877,400 people aged 20 to 79 in Bangladesh were living with diabetes in 2024, placing the country seventh globally in terms of the number of patients.
An analysis of the Atlas data shows that the estimated number of people with diabetes in the same age group stood at 8,405,600 in 2011. The number thus increased by approximately 5.472 million over 13 years.
Although Bangladesh's population aged 20 to 79 also grew during this period, population growth alone does not account for the increase. The age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes rose from 10.5% in 2011 to 13.2% in 2024, an increase of 2.7 percentage points.
One in nine adults worldwide
Globally, approximately 589 million people aged 20 to 79 were living with diabetes in 2024, meaning one in every nine adults had the disease. The IDF projects that the number could rise to around 850 million by 2050.
China ranks first in terms of the number of people with diabetes, followed by India, the United States, Pakistan and Indonesia. According to IDF data, approximately 148 million people in China, 89.8 million in India, 38.5 million in the United States, 34.5 million in Pakistan and 20.4 million in Indonesia are living with the disease. Mexico, Egypt and Japan rank immediately after Bangladesh.
Gestational diabetes doubles in a decade
Professor Azad Khan said the prevalence of diabetes among women is rising at an alarming rate. Gestational diabetes, in particular, poses long-term health risks to both mothers and their unborn children.
A decade ago, the prevalence of gestational diabetes in Bangladesh was 10%. It has now doubled to 20%.
The rate among women in South Asia stands at 25%, while the global prevalence ranges from 1% to 28%.
According to experts, failure to control gestational diabetes increases the risk of both mothers and children developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Women who develop the condition during one pregnancy are also at greater risk of experiencing it in subsequent pregnancies.
However, these risks can be significantly reduced through planned pregnancies, regular tests during pregnancy and proper blood sugar management in line with doctors' advice.
Lifestyle changes essential
According to experts, unhealthy eating habits, excessive consumption of fast food and fatty foods, physical inactivity, lack of regular exercise and excess body weight increase the risk of diabetes. The risk may be higher among people with a family history of the disease.
They recommend regular physical activity, a balanced diet, avoiding excessive calorie and sugar intake, and maintaining a healthy weight to help prevent diabetes. Reducing mental stress and regularly monitoring blood sugar levels as advised by doctors are also important.
Experts have stressed the importance of regular health check-ups for children whose parents have diabetes, recommending that they have their blood sugar levels tested at least twice a year.
Professor Azad Khan said a large proportion of Type 2 diabetes cases could be prevented through lifestyle changes. He stressed that regular walking, a moderate diet and early diagnosis are crucial in preventing and managing the disease. He added that BADA currently provides services to approximately 50% of diabetes patients in the country.
Treatment costs a major obstacle
The cost of treatment is emerging as a major barrier for many patients trying to keep diabetes under control. According to information provided by patients, expenses at the pre-diabetes stage, including necessary tests, doctors' fees, medicines and transportation, are already substantial.
At this stage, the total expenses can account for up to approximately 30%. If the disease progresses to a complicated stage, the figure can rise to as much as 80%.
Experts say early diagnosis and proper management of diabetes can help prevent complications and significantly reduce treatment costs in the long run.
IDF sets five targets for 2030
The IDF has emphasized the need to achieve five global targets by 2030 to improve diabetes prevention and management:
- Ensure that 80% of people with diabetes are diagnosed.
- Keep blood sugar levels under control in 80% of people with diabetes.
- Ensure blood pressure is under control in 80% of people with diabetes.
- Ensure that 60% of diabetes patients aged over 40 receive statin medication.
- Ensure access to insulin and other necessary services for 100% of people with Type 1 diabetes.
BADA has undertaken various programmes to mark the day. A rally is scheduled to begin at 8:30am on November 14 from the car parking area of BIRDEM in Shahbag and proceed to the gate of the Tennis Club.
A discussion and consultation session involving specialist doctors and patients will be held at 10am, followed by another discussion meeting at 12:30pm.
