Experts call for national institute to tackle diabetes burden

Medical experts have called for establishing a National Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism to develop a national diabetes registry and strengthen preventive healthcare.
They made the call at a roundtable titled “World Diabetes Day: What We Should Do”, organised by Bangladesh Pratidin at East West Media Group PLC's conference hall in Bashundhara Residential Area on Monday.
The Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and Diabetologists of Bangladesh (ACEDB) provided technical support, while Opsonin Pharma sponsored the event.
ACEDB President Prof Farid Uddin said local studies indicated that around 20% of the population had diabetes and another 30% were pre-diabetic. He stressed the need for a national registry to determine the actual number of patients.
Chief guest Dr Md Zahirul Islam Shakil, secretary general of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh, said people of all ages were at risk and coordinated action and public awareness were essential.
Special guest Dr Md Nurul Islam of the Directorate General of Health Services said the government was providing free medicines and treatment through NCD corners, while discussions were underway on establishing the proposed institute.
ACEDB General Secretary Prof Indrajit Prasad presented 10 recommendations, including free screening for people over 35, affordable medicines and insulin, specialist services at district and upazila levels, screening for complications, action against false medical claims, healthier food policies, school awareness programmes and free insulin for children with type 1 diabetes.
Other speakers highlighted risks linked to pregnancy, PCOS, obesity, physical inactivity and unhealthy diets.
They also warned of diabetes-related blindness, kidney disease, heart complications and severe strokes.
Bangladesh Pratidin Editor Loton Ekram presided over the discussion.