Everyone from Children to the Elderly Is at Risk of Diabetes

According to data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Bangladesh currently ranks eighth in the world in the number of people with diabetes. If this trend continues, Bangladesh could reach seventh position by 2045; by then, the number of affected people in the country could stand at about 2 crore 23 lakh (about 22.3 million). In such a reality, like other countries in the world, Bangladesh is also observing ‘World Diabetes Day’ today; this year’s theme is ‘Diabetes: Do Not Delay, Take Action Now’.

On the occasion of the day, President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Prime Minister Tareq Rahman issued separate messages. In his message, the President said everyone must be aware and undergo regular blood tests to avoid the harmful effects of diabetes. The Prime Minister said the risk and complications of this disease can be reduced to a large extent through awareness and preventive measures; those who have not yet been affected should also make efforts to prevent it through regular health check-ups, a balanced diet, and physical exercise.

Data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) shows that in 2017–18, the rate of diabetes among adults was 9.2 percent and prediabetes 13.3 percent; about 6 percent of adults had undiagnosed diabetes. An analysis of BDHS 2022 shows the prevalence of diabetes in the country at about 16 to 17 percent. That is, a large portion of those affected are unaware of the disease; complications are developing before patients are identified.

According to experts, prediabetes is an important stage before diabetes; making lifestyle changes at this stage can in many cases reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes. President of the Bangladesh Endocrine Society Dr. Faria Afsana said that 5 to 6 percent weight loss, at least 150 minutes of brisk walking per week, and keeping rice, flour, and sugary drinks under control are needed; following these, diabetes prevalence has decreased by up to 58 percent in the United States and up to 28 percent in India.

Experts have also warned about gestational diabetes. Professor Dr. Tanzina Hossain, head of the Department of Endocrinology at Green Life Medical College, said that gestational diabetes increases the risk of large babies, pre-eclampsia, cesarean section, and neonatal hypoglycemia; the mother’s risk of type-2 diabetes later in life also increases 9 to 10 times. In this case, she emphasized universal screening.

The Bangladesh Endocrine Society (BES) has put forward eight-point recommendations for diabetes control. The recommendations include establishing a National Diabetes and Endocrine Institute and announcing a 5-10 year roadmap, testing everyone over the age of 35 for diabetes, creating medical infrastructure and uninterrupted medicine supply at the upazila-union level, testing all pregnant women for diabetes, introducing health education from school to university, creating government posts for endocrinologists, establishing a national diabetes registry, and introducing team-based follow-up. The society’s General Secretary Professor Dr. M Saifuddin said that module-based training for doctors, nurses, and dietitians at the upazila and district levels and easy access to affordable medicines must be ensured.