Bangladesh has the second-highest rate of diabetes in South Asia, with 13.2 percent of adults aged 20 to 79 living with the condition in some form. The latest report from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) released the findings. Experts say rapid urbanization, unhealthy diets, reduced physical activity, and rising stress levels are the main drivers behind the trend.
According to the 2024 IDF report, only Pakistan has a higher prevalence rate compared to Bangladesh among South Asian countries, with 31.4 percent of its population affected. However, Diabetes has been rising at an alarming rate in Bangladesh. Currently, 13.2 percent of the adult population is diabetic. Afghanistan follows with 11.7 percent, while India (10.5 percent), Sri Lanka (10.2 percent), the Maldives (9.5 percent) and Nepal (7.7 percent) have comparatively lower rates.
Experts warn that too much consumption of fast food and fatty meals, lack of physical activity, and gaining excessive weight significantly increase the risk of diabetes. If this can be controlled, it is possible to reduce the risk of serious and life-threatening diseases such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and amputation. For this, it is essential to maintain a disciplined lifestyle, regular exercise, balanced nutrition, timely medication and insulin as prescribed by doctors. Along with this, it is important for everyone to have regular blood glucose tests to raise awareness about diabetes. Special attention should be paid to the care and treatment of pregnant women, particularly those with diabetes.
Professor Dr. Syed Abdul Hamid of the Institute of Health Economics at the University of Dhaka (DU) told Bonik Barta, “The rise in diabetes is directly linked to changes in our lifestyle and food habits. Overreliance on rice and potatoes, excessive intake of sugary and carbonated drinks, and the widespread presence of food adulteration are sharply increasing blood glucose levels. The lack of physical activity, especially among women, has worsened the situation. Rural women who once engaged in agriculture and labor-intensive household work are now far less active due to mechanization. Raising awareness and strengthening routine screening are crucial if we want to curb this trend.”
He also emphasized the need for diabetes screening and management programs at the union and upazila levels. “Lifestyle changes are essential—daily walking, reducing carbohydrates, avoiding soft drinks. The government could consider adopting incentive-based policies similar to South Korea, where regular exercise and health check-ups qualify citizens for special benefits,” he added.
According to the IDF report, Bangladesh’s adult population stands at 113.05 million (113,054,500). Of them, 13.2 percent or 13.87 million (13,877,400) people are living with diabetes. However, experts believe the actual number is considerably higher, as a large segment of patients remain undiagnosed.
Bangladesh currently ranks eighth globally in terms of the total number of people with diabetes. If present trends continue, the number of diabetics is projected to reach 22.3 million by 2045. IDF data also shows that 43.5 percent of diabetic patients in the country remain undiagnosed.
In response to the rapidly growing global burden, IDF and the World Health Organization (WHO) designated November 14 as World Diabetes Day in 1991. Since then, the day has been observed worldwide to promote awareness about the disease. This year’s theme is “Know More and Do More for Diabetes at Work.”
Professor Dr. Md Feroz Amin, head of the Endocrinology and Diabetology Department (Unit–1) at BIRDEM General Hospital, said that a large number of young people in Bangladesh are now developing diabetes. Speaking to Bonik Barta, he said, “Along with young people, children as young as six or seven years old are also being affected by type 2 diabetes, something that was unheard of before. Type 2 diabetes is closely tied to lifestyle. Adults with diabetes also need to follow specific routines, and the work environment plays a major role in that.”
He further said, “This year’s theme— Know More and Do More for Diabetes at Work — is extremely relevant. A workplace should be designed to reduce the risk of diabetes. Stress is a major factor in causing diabetes. Many office canteens serve high-calorie food, while long hours of sitting (from 9 to evening) leave no room for exercise. All these factors combined heighten the risk of diabetes. Workplaces must ensure an environment that supports healthier choices.”