On Wednesday, speakers at a press conference organized by the Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and Diabetologists of Bangladesh (ACEDB) emphasized that up to 50% of diabetes cases can be prevented through timely interventions, such as changes in diet and lifestyle. The event was held at the ACEDB auditorium in Motaleb Tower in observance of World Diabetes Day.
Themed “Diabetes and Wellness: Physical and Mental Health Both Matter,” the conference was hosted by Associate Professor Dr. M. A. Halim Khan from Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital’s Endocrinology Department. ACEDB President Professor Dr. Md Farid Uddin delivered the welcome address.
Presentations covered topics such as the current and future landscape of diabetes in Bangladesh and globally, delivered by ACEDB Secretary General Professor Dr. Indrajit Prasad, while Professor Dr. A.K.M. Aminul Islam discussed diabetes care in public hospitals, Professor Dr. Mir Mosharraf Hossain addressed issues of mismanagement in diabetes treatment, and Professor Dr. Ruhul Amin highlighted challenges in ensuring quality diabetes care.
Speakers pointed out that diabetes is now a pandemic-level issue worldwide, affecting not only developed nations but also developing and underdeveloped regions. They warned that diabetes is rising alarmingly in rural areas as well as urban centers. Current global diabetes cases total approximately 500 million and could reach 600 million by 2030. In Bangladesh, diabetes prevalence in Dhaka is now around 10%, with a similar rate for prediabetes.
Recent studies indicate that rural Bangladesh also faces rising diabetes rates, between 5-8%. Pregnancy-related diabetes is notably higher in Bangladesh than in developed nations. The rise in obesity among younger generations, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, could increase diabetes cases, creating a major economic burden for the country.
ACEDB Founder and President Professor Dr. Md Farid Uddin noted that diabetes significantly impacts vital organs, potentially leading to heart attacks, kidney failure, blindness, and limb amputation. He urged for public awareness and engagement to combat this widespread health issue and stressed that community support from family, friends, religious leaders, and the media is crucial for diabetes prevention.
In observance of World Diabetes Day, ACEDB has planned several initiatives, including celebrations across medical colleges, distribution of awareness posters nationwide, and raising public awareness about diabetes through electronic and print media.
