World Diabetes Day today

World Diabetes Day is being observed worldwide on Tuesday in a befitting manner to make people aware of the disease. This year's theme of the day is 'Diabetes: 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 to create awareness among the people about diabetes.

In his message, President Mohammed Shahabuddin said the prevalence of diabetes is increasing day by day due to a 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 life by controlling this disease, he added.

If diabetes remains uncontrolled, the number of diseases related to heart disease, brain haemorrhage kidney and eye diseases increases in the 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 the Bangladesh Diabetic Association to create mass awareness about diabetes.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said the Awami League government has implemented a number of development projects in the 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 and nursing institutes have been established to ensure time-befitting healthcare facilities for all, she said, adding the government has increased seats in hospitals and the number of physicians and nurses has been increased.

Over 18,000 community clinics and union heath service centres have been established to provide 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.

/KN/