Socioeconomic differences in the prevalence, awareness, and control of diabetes in Bangladesh.

AIMS

To explore the association of the socioeconomic status (SES) in Bangladesh with diabetes prevalence, awareness, and control.

METHODS

A population sample of 7540 individuals from the 2011 Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey was used. A composite variable of education and wealth calculated the SES indicator. Besides prevalence (age-sex adjusted) of diabetes and pre-diabetes, three other points were analyzed with the socio-demographic characteristics: awareness of diabetes, diabetics receiving medication and adequacy of treatment (measured by achieving normal fasting plasma glucose).

RESULTS

The age-sex adjusted prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes were 10.8% and 25.0%, respectively, in the study population (n=7540). Prevalence of diabetes was 7.2% in the low SES (n=2147) and 17.9% in the high SES group (n=2,418). Among diabetics (n=879), 39.7% were aware of their disease, 35.5% were receiving medication, and 13.0% were receiving adequate medication. Diabetic patients from the medium or high SES group had an increased likelihood of being aware of their disease and of receiving medication.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to other developed countries, diabetes in Bangladesh is more prevalent among the higher SES group. Due to the high prevalence of pre-diabetes, lack of awareness of diabetes and less likelihood of receiving adequate treatment in lower SES group, there is potential for the rapid increase of diabetes. Urgent preventive measures are needed to control the impending diabetes epidemic.