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World Diabetes Day was observed across Bangladesh, highlighting the alarming rise of diabetes in the country. The latest reports show that around 10% of deaths in Bangladesh are caused by diabetes, with an estimated 13.1 million people affected. However, experts stress that the actual number of diabetics could be higher as many remain undiagnosed.
According to the latest National Diabetes Treatment Guidelines released last year, about 14.2% of the population aged 20 to 80 suffer from diabetes. This makes Bangladesh the 8th highest country globally in terms of diabetes prevalence. If current trends continue, the number of diabetes patients is projected to rise to 22.3 million by 2045.
A major reason for this high number of undiagnosed cases is the lack of awareness about the disease. Many people only discover they have diabetes after visiting hospitals or clinics for other health concerns. Experts suggest that 43.5% of people with diabetes in the country remain undiagnosed. Furthermore, as diabetes is a lifelong disease, it is not fully curable but can be prevented with proper lifestyle changes.
The theme for this year’s World Diabetes Day was "Diabetes: Let's Make Healthy Living Our Commitment." Various organizations, including the Bangladesh Diabetes Association, organized events to raise awareness about the disease. Diabetes hospitals across the country also observed the day with special programs.
The Bangladesh Diabetes Association highlighted that the prevalence of gestational diabetes in the country is between 6-14%, and women who experience gestational diabetes are at a 50% higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. There is also a risk of children being born with diabetes if their mothers have gestational diabetes.
BDR Hospital, a leading healthcare provider for diabetes patients in the country, emphasized that if diabetes is not properly managed, it can lead to severe complications affecting the kidneys, eyes, heart, and limbs. The hospital treats over 3,000 patients daily.
Experts advise regular exercise, a balanced diet, adherence to prescribed medications and insulin, and disciplined living to manage diabetes. National Professor Dr. A.K. Azad Khan, President of the Bangladesh Diabetes Association, warned that consuming excessive fast food and fatty foods, lack of physical activity, and obesity increase the risk of developing diabetes. He also mentioned that uncontrolled diabetes could lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, blindness, and even amputations.
Globally, over 800 million adults are affected by diabetes, a number that has doubled in recent years. More than half of those over 30 years old are not receiving adequate treatment. A report published by the Lancet in 2022 revealed that 82.8 million people aged 18 and above were living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, with 59% of those aged over 30 not receiving medical care.
Despite the growing number of diabetes patients in middle- and low-income countries, healthcare services remain inadequate. On the other hand, wealthy nations have seen a more positive trend in the treatment and management of the disease.
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