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In the fiscal year (FY) 2024-25, the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (BADAS) spent around Tk1.14 billion to provide free insulin, medicines, and healthcare to diabetic patients across the country.
Currently, more than 6.5 million of the country's 13.8 million diabetic patients, nearly half, are under the BADAS's care network.
The association revealed the information at a press conference in the capital on Thursday.
BADAS arranged the press conference on the occasion of World Diabetic Day 2025 under this year's theme "Raise Awareness of Diabetes in the Workplace".
National Professor AK Azad Khan, president of BADAS, among others, spoke at the function.
Speaking at the event, Professor AK Azad Khan said the excessive use of digital devices like computers and mobile phones has reduced physical activity, increasing the risk of diabetes.
He also warned that the growing number of fast-food shops near schools and colleges is encouraging unhealthy eating habits among students.
"Healthy food options must be made available for students in educational institutions."
Mr Khan added that raising awareness in workplaces could significantly help reduce the risk of diabetes and prevent the disease from spreading further.
On the eve of World Diabetes Day 2025, BADAS has called for greater national awareness to prevent and control diabetes, a disease affecting more than 13.8 million people in the country-half of them women.
BADAS has also announced two-day awareness programmes on the occasion of World Diabetes Day 2025. BADAS will observe the day on Friday and Saturday with a series of awareness programmes under the theme "Raise Awareness of Diabetes in the Workplace."
Events include a road show at Shahbagh, free diabetes screening, discussions, a discounted heart, neuro and vascular health camp at Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital, and a two-day voluntary blood donation drive (November 14 and 15) at BIRDEM.
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