On World Diabetes Day, President Calls for Awareness and Regular Blood Tests

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on everyone to be aware and to have regular blood tests to protect themselves from the harmful effects of diabetes. He made the call in a message issued on Friday on the occasion of World Diabetes Day.

In the message, the President welcomed the initiative to observe World Diabetes Day in Bangladesh, as in other countries around the world. He also considered this year's theme for the day, 'Don't delay on diabetes, act now', to be apt.

The President said diabetes is a long-term disease that must be kept under control throughout life. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to heart attacks and various heart diseases, stroke, kidney complications, blindness, and, through damage to nerves and blood vessels, infections and even amputation, among other serious complications.

However, if diabetes is kept well under control, it is possible to live a healthy, normal and active life. The President therefore noted that to live healthily, people must know the risks of diabetes and take the necessary steps now to protect themselves. He called on everyone to work to create awareness about diabetes in their homes, workplaces and society.

The President said urbanisation has brought major changes to people's lifestyles and food habits. At the same time, a lack of physical labour is increasing the prevalence of diabetes day by day.

The Prime Minister also said in his message that uncontrolled diabetes can damage important organs including the heart, kidneys and eyes, and its complications can even be life-threatening. He noted that diabetes can be kept under control through timely diagnosis, proper treatment, healthy food habits, regular physical activity and a conscious lifestyle.

The President called on the Bangladesh Diabetic Samity, the media, social and cultural organisations and government and private agencies to come forward to ensure good health for diabetes patients.

At the end of the message, the President wished success to all programmes taken up on the occasion of World Diabetes Day 2026.