Photo: Collected
About two crore people in the country have diabetes, Bangladesh Diabetic Association president and National Professor Dr AK Azad Khan has said.
In his view, uncontrolled eating habits, excess weight and lack of physical activity are among the main causes of diabetes. The disease can be kept under control by bringing discipline to food and ensuring a healthy lifestyle.
He said this while speaking as chief guest at a discussion on High Point Dia-Atta held in Motijheel in the capital on Saturday to mark World Diabetes Day.
Prof Azad Khan said diet is very important, alongside medicine, in controlling diabetes. Including nutritious, fibre-rich foods in daily meals and eating in moderation helps keep blood glucose levels in check.
The event was told that High Point Dia-Atta is rich in fibre and has a low glycaemic profile. The company claims that eating it raises blood glucose comparatively less than ordinary flour. It was also mentioned that the Bangladesh Diabetic Association’s Centre for Global Health Research has tested the product.
According to the organisers, the flour is available at the Diabetic Association’s various sales centres, Bangladesh Diabetic Association (BADAS) pharmacies, chain shops and superstores.
By the numbers
According to International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates, there were 1 crore 38 lakh 77 thousand 400 people with diabetes aged 20 to 79 in the country in 2024. The IDF figure covers adults only; there is a difference between sources compared with the nearly two crore cited in the speech.
Sources
Background sources: International Diabetes Federation (IDF), 2025
