DHAKA, Nov 13, 2023 (BSS) - The World Diabetes Day will be observed in the
country tomorrow as elsewhere in the globe in a befitting manner to make the
people aware about the disease.

This year's theme of the day is 'Diabeties: know your risk, know your
response'.

On the eve of the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister
Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages urging all concerned to work together
for creating awareness among the people about diabetes.

In his message, President Mohammed Shahabuddin said the prevalence of
diabetes is increasing day by day due to lack of knowledge about the risk of
diabetes.

Diabetes is an enduring health problem and it is possible to maintain a
healthy and normal livelihood throughout the life by controlling this
disease, he added.

If diabetes remains uncontrolled, the number of diseases related to heart
disease, brain hemorrhage kidney and eye diseases increases in human body, he
said.

Underscoring the need for taking necessary healthcare services and creating
awareness to control diabetes, the President urged media, social and cultural
organizations and other private organizations to come forward along with
Bangladesh Diabetic Association for creating mass awareness about diabetes.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said the Awami League
government has implemented a number of development projects in health sector
over the last 15 years to reach healthcare facilities at the doorsteps of the
people.

A pro-people health policy was formulated and new hospitals, nursing
institutes have been established to ensure time-befitting healthcare
facilities for all, she said, adding the government has increased seats in
hospitals and number of physicians and nurses has been increased. Over 18,000
community clinics and union heath service centres have been established to
reach healthcare service to rural people, she said.
 
Noting that diabetes is a preventable and controllable disease, she said all
people (with and without diabetes) need to know about ways to prevent and
control diabetes and also take necessary steps to protect themselves from it.

The Diabetic Association of Bangladesh has been taking multi-faceted
activities including creating awareness for prevention and control of
diabetes, the premier said.

The current government has taken special programmes to provide free insulin
to type-1 diabetic patients, she said, adding that the government will
continue to support diabetes-prevention and its control.

Both the President and the Prime Minister wished all the day's programmes a
success.