The alarming rise in diabetes among the working-age population is a matter of grave concern as it can undermine national productivity. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), nearly seven in ten people living with diabetes worldwide are of working age, and Bangladesh is following the same trend. Bangladesh currently ranks eighth in the world in terms of the number of affected individuals, signaling a serious public concern. And the crisis is compounding with every passing day.
Experts from Bangladesh Endocrine Society (BES) attributed the surge in the number of diabetic cases to long hours of sedentary work in office, severe mental stress, irregular eating habits and inadequate rest. In fact these factors are significantly contributing to the rapid rise of diabetes among te working population of the country.
This year’s World Diabetes Day, observed on Friday, focuses on “Diabetes and Well-being with special emphasis on “Diabetes in Workplace”. Millions of Bangladeshis spend their whole workday in offices that have no arrangement for healthy food, physical activity or health checkups. In factories the workers, more often than not, are overworked and they pass their entire work hours without having balanced meals. According to health experts, incorporating regular screenings, health insurance ,which is very rare in our country, and congenial workplace programme can make a transformative difference.
About 20-25 percent of urban working people suffer from diabetes or pre-diabetes. But many of the workers keep their health condition secret due to fear of job insecurity, leading to further health complications. But BES data shows that two out of every three Bangladeshi adults are either diabetic or pre-diabetic. In this context, experts suggest policy-level intervention to promote health-supportive, inclusive environments. It has been underscored that addressing diabetes at work is not only a public health issue, but also a matter of economic resilience.
The IDF estimates that13.2 percent of Bangladesh people, around 1.32crore live with diabetes, but local physicians believe the true figure may exceed two crore as many remain undiagnosed. Besides, more than 40 percent people are unaware of their having diabetes. Health specialists emphasise that around 65 percent of diabetes can be prevented through physical activity, balanced diets and awareness. Rapid urbanization has worsened the problem. Our cities lack parks for vigorous walking, pavement and safe walking spaces. Reliance on fast food combined ready-made meals has created a sharp surge in diabetes. Scheduled breaks, mental health support, access to nutritious meals, and regular health screenings can help employees manage or prevent diabetes while boosting over-all productivity and reducing log-term healthcare costs. Unhealthy workplace environment makes it difficult for employees to manage their blood glucose levels.
Diabetes known as aq mother disease quickly ramifies into various ailments making the patients infirm and incapable of working, if it is not properly managed. We, therefore,
Urge the authorities concerned and policymakers as well ton rais3e awareness among people of all strata about the danger of diabetes and to fight the disease to the finish.
