The Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and Diabetologists of Bangladesh (ACEDB) has advised diabetic patients on how to fast safely during Ramadan, highlighting modern medical advancements that make fasting feasible for those managing the condition. Addressing a press conference in the capital on Friday, ACEDB President Prof Dr Md Farid Uddin underscored the importance of prior preparation and medical consultation. Five things we know and still don't know about COVID "Islam is a complete way of life, and all forms of worship can be observed according to proper guidelines. Diabetic patients, too, can fast safely if they adhere to specific rules," he said. Prof Farid Uddin urged diabetic patients to consult their doctors 2-3 months before Ramadan to develop an appropriate plan. Research indicates that around 80% of diabetic patients in Bangladesh fast during Ramadan, with approximately 50 million diabetics worldwide participating in the practice. But complications such as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), diabetic ketoacidosis, and dehydration are common among those who fast without professional medical advice. To address these issues, the Endocrine Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University has been running nationwide awareness campaigns to educate people on safe fasting practices. Silent Victims: How dengue devastated women in Bangladesh As part of these efforts, the department has initiated training programs for doctors and patients, discussions with mosque khatibs, and public awareness activities through various media outlets. Meanwhile, ACEDB declared the Islamic month of Rajab as 'Diabetes and Ramadan Awareness Month' in October 2023 to emphasise the importance of the issue. The initiative was officially launched on January 27, 2023, at Dhaka Club, marking the first such observance worldwide. Programmes during the month of Rajab include workshops, patient education sessions and collaborations with religious leaders to promote safe fasting practices. Diarrhea cases surge in Manikganj, children most affected Experts reiterated that diabetes is not a barrier to fasting for those who can manage their condition with proper guidance and preparation.  

A team of Bangladesh Diabetic Association (BADAS) met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban on Tuesday. The team members include BADAS president and national professor AK Azad Khan, vice president Dr Sarwar Ali, secretary general Mohammad Saif Uddin, joint secretary general Prof Rashid-e- Mahbub and national council member and National Professor Dr Mahmud Hasan. PM’s personal physician Prof Dr ABM Abdullah was present at the time, PM’s assistant MM Emrul Kayas told UNB. During the meeting, the premier assured to extend support for implementing several initiatives taken by Bangladesh Diabetic Association (BADAS), including connecting 300 digital healthcare centres with community health centres. The BADAS leaders on behalf of their association congratulated Sheikh Hasina for naming her as the global ambassador of diabetes recently by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). When requested for time to formally congratulate the premier for being the ever-first global ambassador in the history of the IDF, she gave her consent to attend their event at a convenient time in the future. During the meeting, it was noted that Bangladesh Diabetic Society has an outstanding role outside the government in creating manpower in the field of healthcare. Philippines, Sri Lanka and India create international quality doctors and nurses and arrange overseas employment for them in the western countries and thus they are earning huge amount of foreign currencies, said the BADAS leaders. BADAS, if given the opportunity, can also play a role in creating international quality doctors and nurses abroad, they said. If such an institution can be established, boys and girls of different countries will also have the opportunity to study here in Bangladesh and their countries will also be able to earn such foreign currencies, they added. Read more: Despite being environment-friendly, jute not getting the attention RMG industry draws: PM For this purpose, Bangladesh Diabetic Association is working to establish some more nursing colleges and medical colleges. After knowing the matter, the Prime Minister assured to extend her cooperation to this endeavor. The Bangladesh Diabetic Association has already launched an online healthcare program as well as has taken an initiative to launch 300 digital healthcare centres and link these centres with the government community health centres with the help of the government. In this regard, the Prime Minister assured her support to BADAS and expressed her satisfaction knowing that such activity has already started in Khoksa Upazila of Kushtia district. The ministries concerned will provide assistance to this initiative, she said. Sheikh Hasina agreed to inaugurate the two mobile vans at a convenient time, which were received by BADAS from the Local Government Department, to deliver dialysis services and diabetic services in the rural area. The premier was informed that the interest of the loan taken for the Healthcare Development Project (HCDP) of BADAS has not been fully paid. BADAS leaders said the 50 percent interest has been paid at the PM’s initiative and sought her assistance for payment of the remaining interest as well.