Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes in Bangladesh: Updated Numbers Based on the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2011

INTRODUCTION: Based on the IDF estimations in Bangladesh around one in eight adult Bangladeshis are either suffering from diabetes or pre-diabetes. In addition almost all small to medium scale population-based assessments in Bangladesh indicate an increasing trend of diabetes prevalence. Based on the available evidence on rising prevalence of diabetes in the country, the Bangladesh demographic and health survey (BDHS) 2011 included testing for fasting blood glucose, for the first time. The objective of this inclusion was to determine national status of this future development challenge.    

METHODS: Women and men age 35 and older in 7543 households were sampled for blood glucose level tested. Blood glucose was measured using the HemoCue 201+ blood glucose analyzer in capillary whole blood obtained from the middle or ring finger from adults after an overnight fast. WHO (2006) cut-off points for measuring fasting plasma glucose was used for defining diabetes and pre-diabetes status. Along with any reported case with proper documentation was also taken under consideration for determining the prevalence rate.  

RESULTS: Overall, one in nine women and men age 35 and older has diabetes and one in every four is pre-diabetic. This translates into 5 million people with diabetes and 12 million people with pre-diabetes. These figures are projected to be 8 million and 19 million people respectively in 2025 if current prevalence rates remain. Although the rate of diabetes is higher in urban areas, the actual number of people with diabetes is higher in rural areas reflecting the greater rural population in Bangladesh. The rural-urban differences in the number of people with pre-diabetic conditions are even greater. 

CONCLUSIONS: This high rate and number of people living with diabetes and pre-diabetes is actually an indication of an upcoming development challenge in the country which needs urgent attention.