Dhaka:World Diabetes Day will be observed across Bangladesh and globally on Saturday with an emphasis on raising awareness about the disease. This year's theme is 'Diabetes e druto prodokkhep' (Fast action against Diabetes).
According to United News of Bangladesh, the day is celebrated annually in around 170 countries, including Bangladesh. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) declared November 14 as World Diabetes Day in 1991, and it has been observed worldwide since 2007. At the request of the Bangladesh Diabetic Samity, the Bangladesh government proposed to the United Nations that November 14 be recognized as World Diabetes Day, a proposal adopted unanimously by the UN on December 20, 2006.
To mark the occasion, President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages highlighting the importance of managing diabetes. The President emphasized that diabetes is a chronic disease requiring lifelong management and noted the serious complications that can arise from uncontrolled diabetes, such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney complications. He urged for increased awareness and regular blood tests to mitigate these risks.
In his message, the Prime Minister acknowledged diabetes as a major public health challenge and noted the increasing number of affected individuals in Bangladesh. He stressed that the disease can be managed with timely diagnosis and treatment, alongside adopting healthy lifestyle practices. He also praised the Bangladesh Diabetic Samity for its efforts in diabetes prevention and treatment services and expressed hope for continued expansion of these services across the country. The government will maintain its support for diabetes prevention and control efforts, he added.