Preventing type 2 Diabetes: Act early, reduce your risk

Detailed summary

Type 2 diabetes is increasingly becoming a public health concern in Bangladesh, affecting people at younger ages and putting millions at risk of long-term complications.

Type 2 diabetes is increasingly becoming a public health concern in Bangladesh, affecting people at younger ages and putting millions at risk of long-term complications. Early screening, healthier dietary choices, regular physical activity and timely lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing it. In an interview with The Daily Star, Dr. Shahjada Selim, Associate Professor of Endocrinology at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) and President-elect of the Bangladesh Endocrine Society (BES), discusses the major risk factors behind type 2 diabetes, the importance of identifying prediabetes, and steps individuals can take to prevent or delay its onset.

The Daily Star (TDS): What are the major risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, and how much of the disease can be prevented through early intervention?

Dr. Shahjada Selim (SS): The major risk factors for type 2 diabetes include excess body weight, especially fat around the waist, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating habits, family history, increasing age, high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels. Women who had diabetes during pregnancy or have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are also at higher risk. Although we cannot change our age or family history, many other risk factors can be controlled. A major study called the Diabetes Prevention Program showed that people at high risk could reduce their chances of developing diabetes by 58% through modest weight loss and regular exercise.

TDS: Who is most at risk of developing type 2 diabetes in Bangladesh, and at what age should people begin routine screening?

SS: Bangladeshis, like other South Asians, tend to develop type 2 diabetes at a younger age and at a lower body weight than many other populations. People with a family history of diabetes, excess belly fat, high blood pressure, or a physically inactive lifestyle are particularly vulnerable. A body mass index (BMI) of 23 or above also indicates increased risk in our population.

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