Prevention and control of diabetes

THE Bangladesh Diabetic Samiti (BADAS) was established on February 28, 1956 through the initiative of Late National Professor Dr. M. Ibrahim. The declared aim of BADAS is look after all people with diabetes irrespective of their ability to pay, status or other factors. Every year February 28, being the founding day of BADAS, is observed as Diabetic Awareness Day.
People all over the world, especially in developing countries, have the impression that diabetes is a disease of the rich. That is not the case. Diabetes is rising faster in developing countries like Bangladesh. There are many reasons for the increase, but a key reason is that lifestyles are changing faster in developing countries. With increasing urbanisation and globalisation people are getting less physical exercise. Even if they want to exercise, there's less space to do that. Workplaces, schools and colleges have few or no facilities for physical activity.
The threatening fact is that it has shifted from rich to poor, old to young and urban to rural areas. If it is not detected early, it will affect eyes, kidney, legs, nerves and heart. Nutrition and diet experts have suggested following healthy diet guidelines since some food items can be taken liberally while some must be restricted. If a family has four members, then the consumption of cooking oil should be only two liters per month. Planning our meals is very important. Half the plate must be for vegetables. For those who want to control diabetes, there are some strict yes and no items. If one's parents had diabetes, it is advisable to go for sugar test after 20 since family history is a major cause.
In developing countries many people with diabetes face discrimination in getting jobs. Awareness could go a long way towards ending this. We need to make sure people know that type 2 is, to a large extent, preventable. The future need not be gloomy; a full and healthy life is possible with diabetes. That is a very important message for all affected by diabetes.
The developing countries typically focus on communicable diseases. Non-communicable diseases like diabetes should not be neglected. More attention is required urgently before these countries, like ours, are overwhelmed by the diabetes epidemic.

The writer is Chief Coordinator, Diabetic Association of Bangladesh.
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