Early action holds the key to diabetes control

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Bangladesh has an estimated 13–14 million diagnosed diabetes patients, while the number of undiagnosed cases could be three times higher, says Professor Dr. F. M. Siddiqui,…

Bangladesh has an estimated 13–14 million diagnosed diabetes patients, while the number of undiagnosed cases could be three times higher, says Professor Dr. F. M. Siddiqui, Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU). He warns that diabetes often develops without symptoms, making early screening and preventive lifestyle changes essential. In an interview with The Daily Star on the occasion of World Diabetes Day 2026, themed “Early Action on Diabetes”, he discusses the country’s growing diabetes burden, the risks of obesity, advances in treatment and the need to strengthen preventive healthcare.

The Daily Star (TDS): This year’s World Diabetes Day theme is “Early Action on Diabetes”. What should this mean in practice for Bangladesh, considering the country’s growing burden of diabetes?

Professor Dr. F. M. Siddiqui (FMS): The phrase “Early Action on Diabetes” carries crucial guidance. It is particularly important for Bangladesh because diabetes is a silent killer. Initially, the disease presents no symptoms and can develop inside the body for many years without the patient being aware of it. In most cases, it is diagnosed only when someone undergoes medical tests due to another complication.

The primary goal of diabetes treatment is to prevent or reverse complications. For that, early detection, particularly even before particular symptoms appear, is the most crucial factor. If we identify the disease early, we can initiate several interventions, and medication may not even be necessary in some cases. Before medication, we have to have a lifestyle modification.

According to available data, approximately 13 to 14 million people in Bangladesh have been diagnosed with diabetes. However, in my estimation, there are at least three times as many people who remain undiagnosed. They simply do not know that they have the disease.

For instance, if someone is overweight, smokes or leads a sedentary lifestyle, changing their dietary habits, reducing refined carbohydrates…

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