According to Dhaka Tribune, more than half of Bangladesh’s diabetes patients remain undiagnosed, and the country ranks seventh worldwide in the number of patients.
International Diabetes Federation estimates 13.9 million people aged 20‑79 in Bangladesh were living with diabetes in 2024, and BADA President Prof AK Azad Khan said at least 50 % of patients are unaware of their condition.
The rising prevalence places additional pressure on the healthcare system, and uncontrolled diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and limb loss.
World Diabetes Day’s theme is “Diabetes: No delays, act now.” Awareness programmes are being organised globally; the day was first observed by the IDF and WHO in 1991.
Diabetes develops when the body cannot produce enough insulin or the insulin it produces does not function properly, causing blood glucose to rise; diagnosis requires lifelong management.
According to the 11th edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas 2025, 13,877,400 people aged 20‑79 in Bangladesh were living with diabetes in 2024, placing the country seventh globally. The number increased from 8,405,600 in 2011, a rise of about 5.472 million over 13 years, while age‑adjusted prevalence rose from 10.5 % to 13.2 %.
Globally, 589 million adults aged 20‑79 had diabetes in 2024, one in nine adults. The IDF projects the figure could reach 850 million by 2050. China, India, the United States, Pakistan and Indonesia have the highest numbers, followed by Bangladesh; Mexico, Egypt and Japan rank immediately after.
Gestational diabetes among Bangladeshi women has doubled from 10 % a decade ago to 20 %. In South Asia the prevalence is 25 %, while worldwide it ranges from 1 % to 28 %. Uncontrolled gestational diabetes increases the risk of later Type 2 diabetes for both mother and child.
Risk factors include unhealthy eating habits, fast food, fatty foods, physical inactivity, excess weight and family history. Prevention involves regular exercise, a balanced diet, limiting calories and sugar, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing mental stress and monitoring blood sugar.
Experts recommend children of diabetic parents have their blood sugar tested at least twice a year. Prof Azad Khan noted that many Type 2 cases could be prevented through lifestyle changes; walking, a moderate diet and early diagnosis are crucial, and BADA currently serves about 50 % of diabetes patients.
Treatment costs are a major barrier: pre‑diabetes expenses can reach up to 30 %, while complications can rise to 80 %. Early diagnosis and proper management can reduce complications and long‑term costs.
The IDF has set five global targets for 2030 to improve diabetes prevention and management. BADA marked World Diabetes Day with a rally from BIRDEM parking to the Tennis Club gate at 8:30 am, followed by discussion sessions at 10:00 am and 12:30 pm.
