Diabetes i Asia med fokus på Bangladesh -type 2 diabetes og svangerskapsdiabetes

Bangladesh is among the worlds most densely populated countries, in addition to being one of poorest and least developed. Over the last years Bangladesh has been applauded for exceptional health achievements despite economic poverty, but they still have several challenges ahead of them in the future. Diabetes is an increasing problem in whole the world. The number of people affected by the disease is estimated to almost twofold by 2035. Low- and middle-income countries are severely affected by this because of their genetic disposition and economic transition. In Asia, the problem is greatest in the young and middle-aged population, which will have huge consequences for the community and economy. There is no doubt that gestational diabetes result in adverse pregnancy- and fetal outcome. In addition to the already known morbidity and mortality, evidences show that GDM in pregnancy predisposes the mother and her offspring to developing glucose intolerance and obesity in the future. This concept indicates that pregnancy offers a great opportunity even for intergenerational prevention of diabetes. Diabetes type 2 can effectively be prevented by lifestyle changes and drug treatment. Based on the size of the problem, the severity of the consequences and the possibility of prevention, awareness around the diagnosis and risk factors should be top priority. The Bangladesh health system has been shaped to address the first generation of poverty-linked infectious, nutritional, and maternity-related diseases. Given the epidemiological transition, the health system will now have to be adjusted to battle with chronic non-communicable diseases.