Over half of diabetes patients undiagnosed in Bangladesh, study finds

An estimated 13.9 million adults in Bangladesh are living with diabetes, but more than half of them remain undiagnosed, according to a new study. The late detection of the disease is creating serious health risks for patients across the country.

The Dhaka Tribune reported that a significant portion of the adult population suffers from diabetes, yet the lack of early diagnosis is complicating treatment. Experts say that the low rate of detection is largely due to insufficient regular health check-ups and a lack of public awareness.

Risks of late diagnosis

Physicians note that if diabetes is detected at an early stage, patients can manage the condition through lifestyle changes and medication. However, late detection often leads to severe complications such as kidney failure, heart disease, blindness, and nerve damage. The study indicates that Bangladesh's healthcare system requires a significant expansion of diabetes screening programs to address this gap.

Rise of fraudulent treatments on social media

In a related development, the Dhaka Tribune has also warned against the proliferation of "miracle cures" for diabetes and other diseases circulating on social media platforms. The report states that these fraudulent medicines and treatment methods, widely promoted on Facebook and other platforms, are endangering patients' lives.

"The miracle cure in your Facebook feed is killing Bangladeshis," the report said, describing such activities as consumer fraud and a public health offense. It called for these deceptive practices to be treated as crimes and dealt with under the law.

Health experts' recommendations

Health experts emphasize that there is no alternative to raising awareness, regular screening, and proper medical treatment to control diabetes. Patients are advised to avoid unverified treatments promoted on social media and to seek guidance only from registered physicians. The government has also been urged to strengthen diabetes screening programs so that the disease can be detected at an early stage.

The study, released ahead of World Diabetes Day, carries an important message for the country's public health sector. Experts fear that unless the trend of late diagnosis is reversed, diabetes-related complications in Bangladesh will continue to rise.