Around the world, 537 million adults (20-79 years) or 1 in 10 are living with diabetes, International Diabetes Federation said on the occasion of World Diabetes Day on Monday.

This number is predicted to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045.

The surge in diabetes is straining the health system and preventing people with diabetes and those at risk from accessing the care and education they require, according to the federation.

As elsewhere in the globe, Bangladesh is also observing World Diabetes Day in a befitting manner to make people aware of the disease.

This year's theme of the day is “Education to protect tomorrow”.

On the eve of the day, President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages urging all concerned to work together for creating awareness among the people about diabetes, reports BSS.

In his message, President Abdul Hamid said the prevalence of diabetes is increasing day by day due to urbanization, changes in lifestyle and food habits and lack of physical labour.

The head of the state urged everyone to know the ways to prevent and control diabetes.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said the government has always been taking various programmes to protect the people's health.

The premier said that various steps have been taken, including the establishment of new hospitals and nursing institutes, to ensure up-to-date health care by formulating pro-people health policies.

As a result of this significant progress has been achieved in the health sector of Bangladesh, she added.

The number of doctors, nurses, and supporting staff has been increased to a large extent along with increasing the number of beds in hospitals across the country, she said.

New medical colleges and educational institutes have been built for the expansion of medical education, she added.