An estimated 1.39 crore adults in Bangladesh are living with diabetes, but nearly 40 percent of them are unaware of their condition, according to a report released ahead of World Diabetes Day. The lack of early symptoms means a significant portion of patients remain undiagnosed, leaving them vulnerable to life-altering complications.
Health experts have raised alarms over the growing prevalence of diabetes among the youth, attributing the trend to sedentary lifestyles, consumption of processed foods, and a lack of physical activity. The findings, published across major national dailies, underscore a looming public health crisis.
Rising Risk Among the Youth
Once considered a disease of the elderly, Type-2 diabetes is now increasingly being diagnosed among younger populations in Bangladesh. Medical professionals point to poor dietary habits and inactive routines as primary drivers of this shift.Many young patients live with elevated blood sugar levels for years before receiving a diagnosis. This prolonged hyperglycemia can lead to severe complications, including kidney failure, blindness, cardiovascular disease, and diabetic foot ulcers.
Lack of Awareness as a Key Challenge
The report highlights that a large share of those affected are unaware of their condition because early-stage diabetes often presents no noticeable symptoms. This lack of awareness prevents timely medical intervention and lifestyle modifications, significantly increasing the risk of complications.Health experts are urging regular health screenings, particularly for individuals with a family history of diabetes. Early detection and management are critical to preventing the disease from progressing to more severe stages.
