Millions with diabetes undiagnosed
An estimated 54 lakh adults in Bangladesh are living with diabetes without knowing they have the disease, according to the International Diabetes Federation, pointing to a major gap in early detection as the country faces a growing diabetes burden.
Health experts say many people do not seek medical attention until they develop symptoms or complications, while others remain unaware of their condition because they have never undergone a blood glucose test.
- 1.39cr adults aged 20-79 in Bangladesh have diabetes
- Bangladesh ranks 8th globally in adult diabetes cases
The diagnosis problem is compounded by inadequate screening, limited diagnostic facilities at the grassroots level and difficulties in maintaining regular treatment, particularly among people from low-income families, they say.
Amid the situation, World Diabetes Day is being observed today under the theme ‘Early Action on Diabetes’, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and access to comprehensive care.
Bangladesh ranked eighth globally in terms of the number of adults living with diabetes, with an estimated 1.39 crore adults aged 20-79 affected, according to the IDF’s 11th Diabetes Atlas, published in 2025.
Bangladesh Diabetic Association data also show that over 1.39 crore people in the country have diabetes, but only 69 lakh, or about 50 per cent, are covered by its services, suggesting that many remain outside formal diagnosis and treatment.
The number of adults with diabetes in Bangladesh is projected to rise to 2.23 crore by 2045, according to the Bangladesh Endocrine Society.
The World Health Organization says more than 40 per cent of people living with diabetes worldwide are undiagnosed. Without a diagnosis, they may not receive the care, treatment and support needed to manage the disease and maintain their health.
Moreover, the gaps in diagnosis and treatment can force people in rural areas to travel to district towns or major cities for tests and specialised care, adding to the financial burden of managing a disease that requires lifelong monitoring and treatment, health experts said.
Dr Faria Afsana, head of the endocrinology department at BIRDEM, said that early screening and lifestyle changes can play an important role in reducing the risk of developing diabetes and preventing complications.
‘Reducing body weight by 5 to 7 per cent, undertaking at least 150 minutes of brisk walking or exercise a week, and limiting the intake of rice, flour-based foods and sugary drinks could significantly reduce the risk,’ she said.
Everyone aged 35 and above should undergo diabetes testing, while younger people with risk factors should be screened earlier, Dr Afsana suggested.
The risk factors include excess body weight, a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure and polycystic ovary syndrome. Late diagnosis and irregular treatment can leave patients vulnerable to serious complications affecting the kidneys, eyes, nerves, heart and blood vessels.
Treating such complications could require prolonged hospital care and place further pressure on households. The rising cost of diabetes care was placing pressure on low- and lower-middle-income families across Bangladesh.
‘In Gazipur, many patients struggle to afford regular tests, medicines and medical consultations, with some delaying treatment or skipping prescribed medicines,’ said Gazipur Diabetic Association Director Azizur Rahman.
Khuki Begum of Chatar area, who has had diabetes for five to six years, could afford only two of four prescribed tests costing Tk 2,300 during a visit to a Gazipur diabetes centre last month. She said she often skips a medicine costing Tk 450 because she cannot afford it.
Dr Shahjada Selim, an associate professor of endocrinology at Bangladesh Medical University, stressed the need to develop healthy habits from childhood to prevent diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.
Age-appropriate health education should be introduced from primary schools to universities, while schools should restrict access to sugary drinks and unhealthy foods in canteens and ensure regular sports and physical activities, he said.
Families also need to develop healthier eating habits to reduce the risk of diabetes among children and young people, he added.
Dr Tanjina Hossain, an endocrinology professor at Green Life Medical College, said diabetes during pregnancy increased the risk of complications for both mothers and newborns.
Women who develop gestational diabetes also face a nine to 10 times higher risk of developing Type-2 diabetes later in life, she said, adding that regular blood glucose testing during pregnancy, counselling before conception and treatment when necessary were therefore important.
Bangladesh Endocrine Society called for stronger screening, early diagnosis and improved access to treatment, particularly at the primary healthcare level.
It also called for regular screening of people aged 35 and above, early identification of younger people at high risk, and the provision of diabetes medicines, glucose meters and HbA1c testing facilities at upazila and union-level health centres.
The society recommended introducing age-appropriate health education from primary schools to universities and formulating food policies in line with World Health Organization recommendations.
With millions already estimated to be unaware of their condition, health experts suggest Bangladesh needs to expand diabetes screening and strengthen primary healthcare services to ensure early diagnosis and treatment in order to prevent serious complications.
President, PM call for greater awareness of diabetes
On the eve of World Diabetes Day, President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday urged people to understand the risks of diabetes and take preventive measures by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
In a message, he said diabetes was a chronic disease requiring lifelong management and that uncontrolled diabetes could cause serious complications, including heart attacks, strokes, kidney problems, blindness and amputations.
However, proper management could enable people with diabetes to lead healthy, normal and productive lives, he added.
In a separate message, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman called for collective efforts by the government, healthcare institutions, physicians, health workers and people from all walks of life to achieve the goal.
‘Diabetes is currently one of the major public health challenges worldwide. The number of people affected by this disease is also increasing steadily in Bangladesh, which is a matter of concern for us,’ he said.
He warned that uncontrolled diabetes could damage vital organs, including the heart, kidneys and eyes.
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