Diabetes crisis deepens in Bangladesh, unhealthy work culture to blame
2 crore affected in country that ranks 8th globally
Highlights:
- Bangladesh ranks 8th globally in diabetes prevalence
- 13% Bangladeshis are diabetic, true figure might exceed 2 crore
- Up to 25% of urban workers suffer from diabetes
- 40% adults with diabetes remain undiagnosed
- Healthy diet and workplace stress management remain key
As Bangladesh's working-age population continues to fuel its economic growth, health experts warn that an alarming rise in diabetes among this very group could undermine national productivity as the country now ranks 8th globally in diabetes prevalence.
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.
Experts from the Bangladesh Endocrine Society (BES) say that sedentary office routines, irregular eating habits, mounting stress, and inadequate rest are significantly contributing to the rise of diabetes in the country's workforce.
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"70% of the global workforce lives with diabetes, so workplace awareness is crucial," said Dr Shahjada Selim, president of the BES, speaking to The Business Standard. "Employers should ensure at least an hour of physical activity during the workday and provide healthy meals. Managing workplace stress through expert guidance is equally vital."
A hidden epidemic in the workforce
Studies estimate that 20–25% of Bangladesh's urban working population suffers from diabetes or pre-diabetes. However, many workers keep their condition secret due to fear of stigma or job insecurity, leading to further health complications.
Data from the BES shows that two out of every three Bangladeshi adults are either diabetic or pre-diabetic. In this context, experts are calling for policy-level intervention to promote health-supportive, inclusive work environments. They emphasise that addressing diabetes at work is not only a public health issue but also a matter of economic resilience.
"Creating opportunities for regular walking and exercise at workplaces can prevent a significant share of diabetes cases," said Professor Dr AK Azad, president of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh. "Around 65% of diabetes can be prevented through physical activity, balanced diets, and awareness. Yet, most offices and factories in Bangladesh lack even basic facilities for exercise."
The IDF estimates that 13.2% of Bangladesh's population, around 1.32 crore people, live with diabetes, but local physicians believe the true figure may exceed 2 crore, as many remain undiagnosed.
The IDF Diabetes Atlas 2025 reports that one in nine Bangladeshi adults (11.1%) has diabetes, with more than 40% unaware of their condition. Globally, the IDF projects that by 2050, one in eight adults, some 853 million people, will be living with diabetes, marking a 46% rise.
Workplace conditions key to prevention
Health specialists emphasise that managing diabetes extends far beyond hospital care; it is deeply ingrained in daily routines and workplace environments. Irregular meal times, lack of rest, and restricted access to healthy food options or medical care at work make it difficult for employees to manage their blood glucose levels.
Dr Selim emphasised that scheduled breaks, mental health support, access to nutritious meals, and regular health screenings can help employees manage or prevent diabetes—while boosting overall productivity and reducing long-term healthcare costs for organisations.
Professor Dr Tanjina Hossain, head of Endocrinology and Diabetology at Green Life Hospital, told TBS that this year's World Diabetes Day, to be observed today, focuses on "Diabetes and Well-being," with a specific emphasis on "Diabetes in the Workplace."
"Millions of Bangladeshis spend their entire workday in offices and factories that lack healthy food, physical activity, or health checkups," she said. "Incorporating regular screenings, health insurance, and workplace wellness programs can make a transformative difference."
She added that rapid urbanisation has worsened the problem. "Our cities lack parks, sidewalks, and safe walking spaces. Combined with reliance on fast food and readymade meals, this has created a perfect storm for diabetes."
As Bangladesh marks World Diabetes Day, experts and policymakers are being urged to look beyond hospitals, to boardrooms, factories, and classrooms, to fight a disease that is quietly reshaping the country's workforce and its future.
