PM Tarique Rahman calls for action now to prevent diabetes

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the risks and serious complications of diabetes can be reduced to a large extent through widespread awareness and timely preventive measures. He said that with proper treatment, a disciplined lifestyle and regular care, people living with diabetes can also lead a healthy, normal and active life.

The prime minister made the remarks in a message issued on Friday (November 13) on the occasion of World Diabetes Day tomorrow, Saturday. The theme set for this year's day of global awareness is 'Don't delay on diabetes, act now.'

In the message, the prime minister expressed deep concern over what he described as one of the major health crises of the present time. He said diabetes has now emerged as a leading public health challenge worldwide, and the number of people affected in Bangladesh is also rising at an alarming rate.

Referring to the grave consequences of uncontrolled diabetes, he said it can permanently damage vital organs including the heart, kidneys and eyes. If it is not brought under control in time, its various complications can even cost a person their life, he added.

On how the disease can be prevented and controlled, the prime minister said diabetes can only be kept successfully in check through timely diagnosis, proper treatment, a healthy diet, regular physical activity and a conscious lifestyle. He advised that those who have not yet been affected should also undergo regular health check-ups and take preventive measures from now on through balanced food and exercise.

Highlighting the priorities of the public health sector, the prime minister said ensuring quality healthcare at the doorstep of every citizen and building social awareness to prevent non-communicable diseases are among the current government's top priorities. Government initiatives alone are not enough to face a growing public health challenge like diabetes; it requires timely steps and the combined effort of people at all levels, he said, adding that the government is committed to ensuring quality healthcare for all.

Describing a healthy and active population as one of the main foundations of the country's development and prosperity, he said good health not only improves an individual's quality of life, it also energises the overall progress of the family, society and the state.

In the message, the prime minister recalled with respect the rich history and role of the Bangladesh Diabetic Association. He noted that it was through the association's initiative and efforts that World Diabetes Day gained recognition from the United Nations, a matter of great pride for the whole nation. The day has been observed worldwide for the past two decades.

Praising the organisation, Tarique Rahman said that since its founding, the association has made an extremely important and commendable contribution to diabetes prevention, expanding treatment services, conducting research and creating public awareness. Its tireless effort to take diabetes treatment and prevention services to the doorsteps of ordinary people deserves great praise, he said, expressing hope that the association will broaden its service activities further in the coming days. He also assured that necessary cooperation and patronage from the government for diabetes prevention and control will continue.

At the end of the message, the prime minister extended warm greetings to all members of the Bangladesh Diabetic Association, doctors, nurses and health workers, people across the country living with diabetes and everyone involved with the observance, and wished all the programmes of World Diabetes Day complete success.