Prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes among Bangladeshi adults and associated factors: Evidence from the Demographic and Health Survey, 2017-18

Aim: To estimate the age-standardized prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes, and to identify factors associated with these conditions at individual, household, and community levels. Methods: Data from 11, 952 Bangladeshi adults aged 18+ available from the most recent nationally representative Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18 were used. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood glucose samples were taken as part of the survey. Prevalence estimates of diabetes and prediabetes were age-standardised, and risk factors were identified using multilevel mix-effect Poisson regression models with robust variance. Results: The overall age-standardized prevalence of diabetes was 12.8% (95%CI 11.2-14.3) (men: 12.8%, women: 12.7%), and prediabetes was 14.0% (95%CI 12.6-15.4) (men: 12.1%, women: 16.5%). Among people with diabetes, 61.5% were unaware that they had the condition, and only 35.2% were receiving treatment regularly. Factors associated with an increased risk of having diabetes were increasing age, male, overweight/obesity, hypertension, highest wealth quintile and living in Dhaka division. Individuals being underweight or currently working were less likely to develop diabetes. Conclusion Diabetes and prediabetes affect a substantial proportion (over one-quarter) of the Bangladeshi adult population. Continuing surveillance and effective prevention and control measures, with a particular focus on obesity reduction and hypertension management, are urgently needed. Keywords: Diabetes, prediabetes, prevalence, Bangladesh