Bangladesh is marking World Diabetes Day 2025 with nationwide awareness events, free screening camps, and renewed calls to link diabetes prevention to working life. This year’s global theme, “Diabetes and Well-being”, places special emphasis on health risks inside the workplace, a growing concern for a country where long sedentary hours and poor diet patterns are increasingly common.

Public health specialists say Bangladesh is now facing a steady rise in diabetes across age groups and income levels. They warn that the disease is no longer limited to urban elites and that many cases remain undiagnosed until complications develop.

Rallies, Runs and Screening Camps Intensify Awareness Efforts

Dhaka hosted one of the day’s largest events with the “Diabetes Day Run 2025”, where doctors, students, and the public gathered for an early-morning run around the Hatirjheel area. Organisers framed the initiative as part of a broader push to integrate physical activity into daily routines, especially in office-heavy work environments.

Hospitals and medical colleges across the city arranged free blood sugar testing, nutrition counselling, and short educational sessions on medication adherence and foot care. Several institutions extended their activities into multi-day campaigns to reach more people.

The Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology at Ashulia Women and Children Hospital organised a rally and seminar, combining public engagement with on-site screening facilities. Staff members encouraged first-time visitors—especially low-income earners and informal workers—to undergo glucose testing.

District-Level Events Target Underserved Workers

Outside Dhaka, diabetic associations and hospitals in districts hosted rallies, street marches, and daylong screening booths. These events focused heavily on workers who often lack regular access to preventive care.

Temporary testing points in front of hospitals, market areas, and transport hubs offered quick screenings for labourers, shop employees, rickshaw-pullers and factory workers. Health volunteers distributed leaflets on healthy eating, stress control and early symptoms of diabetes.

Radio and television discussions also examined the rising cost of diabetes management and the need for accessible insulin supplies. Experts emphasised that awareness outside major cities is critical, as rural and semi-urban populations often delay care.

Experts Call for Long-Term Change Beyond a Single Day

Doctors warn that diabetes in Bangladesh is becoming a chronic national challenge. They highlight four major contributors: inactivity, refined-carbohydrate diets, tobacco use and unmanaged work-related stress.

They argue that lasting improvement depends on structural changes in workplaces, including:

• Safe and accessible walking breaks
• Healthier options in canteens
• Annual blood glucose checks
• Routine nutrition and lifestyle counselling

Public health analysts also urge policy support for affordable medication, better urban planning for walkability, and campaigns promoting reduced sugar intake.

As Bangladesh observes World Diabetes Day 2025, specialists stress that today’s rallies and screenings are only the starting point. The real progress, they say, will depend on sustained changes in how people work, eat and move every day.