The number of people with diabetes in Bangladesh is rising fast, yet nearly half of those affected do not know they have the disease. Figures released for World Diabetes Day put the number of people living with diabetes in the country at about 13.9 million (1 crore 39 lakh). By the International Diabetes Federation's count, Bangladesh ranks eighth among countries by number of people with diabetes.
The Diabetic Association of Bangladesh says about 82 per cent of patients do not have their diabetes under control, putting them at serious risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. Poor diet, physical inactivity and unhealthy lifestyles have made the disease a major public-health challenge.
The cost of treatment is driving many families into debt, and many patients cannot afford to take their medicine regularly. Unplanned urban growth and technology-dependent lifestyles are raising the risk among young people too.
Doctors say uncontrolled diabetes can lead to complications as severe as amputation, so detecting the disease early and starting treatment on time is essential. Experts say raising awareness and regular health check-ups are the way to avoid its worst effects.
This report is based on a report by Dinajpur TV's feature desk.
Photo: Erik1980 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Source: Dinajpur TV
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