We must be aware of preventing and treating diabetes

Yesterday was World Diabetes Day. This year’s theme is “No delay in diabetes, act now”. In a message on the day, Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman said it is important to try to prevent diabetes through regular health checks, a balanced diet and exercise. He said people with diabetes can also live a healthy, normal and active life with proper treatment and regular care. He said ensuring healthcare for all is one of the government’s top priorities.

It goes without saying that diabetes is a disease that is never cured. It must be kept under control. Once someone gets diabetes, they carry it for life. Medical science is still behind in wiping out diabetes. But various medicines and ways to change lifestyle have been shown to control it.

Diabetes does not stay within its own limits. It brings other diseases and opens the way to serious problems such as hypertension, kidney disease and heart disease. To stay free of diabetes, people must be aware before it happens. As they say, prevention is better than cure.

Yesterday, various national dailies showed the picture of diabetes in our country on the occasion of World Diabetes Day. According to the latest (2025) data from the International Diabetes Federation, the estimated number of people with diabetes in the country is more than 13.9 million. Bangladesh ranks seventh in the world by number of diabetes patients. Statistics say 7 out of every 10 people are unaware of diabetes. Millions of people remain outside diabetes testing.

These pictures of diabetes are very alarming. They show that diabetes is spreading silently across the country. Many do not even know they are living with diabetes. When it is found in diagnosis, the number looks much higher. This happens because of lack of awareness.

But there is nothing to panic about if someone gets diabetes. People must change their lifestyle to stay free of it and to keep it under control. Walking enough at a fixed time every day can keep people free of diabetes and also control it. Bad habits, including eating habits, must be controlled and avoided.

In our country, from cities to villages, places to walk have shrunk, and people hardly have a habit of walking at all. Cities lack enough parks and footpaths. Hawkers have illegally taken over the footpaths. So people have no place fit for walking. The government must create enough walking space in cities and towns to keep people healthy. Cars are banned in several places in London so that people can walk. Vehicles are kept out of those areas so people walk and stay healthy.

The present government has put weight on ensuring healthcare for people. It talks of making people health aware. This government step is good. But the government must make sure the step is not limited to speeches and statements and is carried out.

From 2001 to 2004, then US Secretary of State Mr. Colin Powell called HIV or AIDS a “global national security crisis”. He strongly urged world leaders at the United Nations and various international forums to unite to fight AIDS. Today diabetes has become a global disease. World leaders must unite to fight it. In a poor country like ours, the way diabetes is spreading puts our public health and development at risk.

It needs no saying that a nation with sick people cannot move forward. To move ahead, we need healthy and strong people. Otherwise they become a burden on their families and the economy. The first need in preventing diabetes is raising public awareness. This work must go on all year. Making noise only when Diabetes Day comes will not do.

People have no chance to sit idle because of work and livelihood. Within that, finding time to walk or exercise is important to stay free of disease. People must practise eating balanced food, giving up bad habits and controlling tension. The government must take healthcare to people’s doorsteps. Not only the government, private corporate bodies must also take initiative to prevent and treat diabetes.