Bangladesh Faces Rising Diabetes Cases Amid Lifestyle Changes Experts Warn
Health experts in Bangladesh have raised alarms over a sharp increase in diabetes cases, attributing the trend to rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary shifts. According to the latest data from the Bangladesh Diabetes Association, nearly 15 million adults in the country are now living with diabetes, a figure that has doubled over the past decade. The condition, once considered a disease of affluence, is now affecting rural populations as well, with limited access to healthcare exacerbating the crisis.
Dr. Farhana Rahman, an endocrinologist at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, noted that the surge is driven by high consumption of processed foods and sugary drinks, combined with declining physical activity. “We are seeing patients in their 30s and 40s with complications like kidney failure and vision loss, which were previously rare in younger age groups,” she said during a press briefing on Tuesday. The World Health Organization has identified Bangladesh as one of the countries with the fastest-growing diabetes burden in South Asia, with projections suggesting that prevalence could reach 22 million by 2045 if interventions are not scaled up.
On the international front, global health agencies are also grappling with a rise in non-communicable diseases. A new report from the World Health Organization, released this week, highlights that diabetes now affects over 537 million people worldwide, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the heaviest toll. The report calls for increased investment in prevention, early detection, and affordable treatment, emphasizing that lifestyle modifications remain the most effective strategy. In response, the Bangladeshi government has announced plans to expand community-based screening programs and subsidize insulin for low-income patients, though critics argue that implementation remains slow.
Meanwhile, public health campaigns are gaining momentum in urban centers like Dhaka and Chattogram, where health workers are distributing educational materials and organizing free blood sugar tests. Local non-profits, such as the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh, are also launching mobile clinics to reach remote areas. However, challenges persist, including a shortage of trained healthcare professionals and widespread misinformation about diabetes management. Many patients rely on traditional remedies or unlicensed practitioners, leading to delayed treatment and complications.
Experts stress that addressing the diabetes epidemic requires a multi-faceted approach, including stricter regulations on food labeling, promotion of physical activity in schools and workplaces, and integration of diabetes care into primary health services. As Dr. Rahman put it, “This is not just a medical issue; it is a societal one. We need collective action from the government, industry, and communities to reverse this trend.” The coming months will be critical as Bangladesh prepares to launch its new national health policy, which aims to prioritize non-communicable diseases and strengthen the healthcare system for future challenges.