World Diabetes Day today: President and Prime Minister urge action now, without delay

Today is World Diabetes Day, being observed in Bangladesh with various programmes, as in other countries around the world.

This year's theme for the day is 'Do not delay diabetes — take action now.'

On the occasion, President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have called for raising public awareness to prevent and control diabetes.

World Diabetes Day is being observed today, Saturday 14 November; the President and the Prime Minister gave separate messages on Friday (13 November) for the occasion.

In his message, the President said diabetes is a long-term disease that must be kept under control throughout life.

He noted that uncontrolled diabetes can cause heart disease, heart attack, stroke, kidney complications, blindness and damage to nerves and blood vessels, among other serious physical problems, and that a higher risk of infection can even create a situation requiring amputation.

The President said that if diabetes is kept properly under control, affected people can also lead a normal, healthy and active life, and that alongside awareness of the disease's risks, necessary steps must be taken in time.

He noted that urbanisation has brought major changes to people's lifestyles and food habits, and that reduced physical labour is increasing the prevalence of diabetes in the country, so everyone must come forward to create awareness about the disease at individual, family, workplace and social levels. He called on everyone to work together to build a healthy and beautiful country.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, in his message, said diabetes is now one of the main public health problems worldwide, and that the number of people affected in Bangladesh is also rising continuously, which is worrying.

He said that if diabetes is not kept under control, the heart, kidneys, eyes and other important organs can be damaged, and complications of the disease can even cause death, but that timely detection, proper treatment, a healthy diet, regular physical activity and a conscious lifestyle can keep the disease under control.

The Prime Minister also said the government is working to ensure quality healthcare for all, so that every citizen can lead a healthy, active and dignified life, and that reaching that goal requires a collective initiative by the government, healthcare institutions, doctors, health workers and the general public.

World Diabetes Day is being observed this year as in previous years at the initiative of the Bangladesh Diabetic Association. The Prime Minister noted that the day gained United Nations recognition through Bangladesh's initiative and efforts, which is a matter of pride for the country, and expressed hope that the association's service activities would expand further in the coming days and that government cooperation in preventing and controlling diabetes would continue.

The Prime Minister extended his sincere greetings on the occasion to members of the Bangladesh Diabetic Association, doctors, health workers, people living with diabetes and everyone concerned.

Although diabetes is a serious health problem, awareness, a healthy lifestyle, regular walking and timely treatment can reduce its risk and keep it under control, which is why experts are stressing greater awareness at individual and social levels to prevent diabetes.