World Diabetes Day is being observed across Bangladesh today, Saturday, November 14, 2026, alongside approximately 170 countries worldwide to raise public awareness about prevention and management. Marked under the theme ‘ডায়াবেটিসে দ্রুত পদক্ষেপ’ (Swift Action on Diabetes), the day carries deep historical pride for Bangladesh—having been unanimously adopted by the United Nations on December 20, 2006, following a proposal by the Bangladesh government at the request of the Bangladesh Diabetic Association (BADAS).According to updated International Diabetes Federation (IDF) data, Bangladesh ranks eighth globally in diabetes prevalence, with approximately 13.9 million adult patients—a figure projected to escalate to 23.1 million by 2050 without effective intervention. Addressing preventive measures, Bangladesh Endocrine Society President and BIRDEM Head of Endocrinology Dr. Faria Afsana urged high-risk and pre-diabetic individuals to reduce body weight by 5–7%, engage in at least 150 minutes of brisk walking or exercise weekly, and limit intake of rice, refined flour, and sugary drinks. She advised routine diabetes screening for everyone aged 35 and older, as well as earlier testing for younger individuals with obesity, family history, high blood pressure, PCOS, or gestational diabetes. To mark the occasion, BADAS and its affiliated district bodies have launched extensive awareness programs, including special newspaper supplements, special editions of Kanti and Diabetes Newsletter, posters, and leaflets.