A large number of people in my country live below the poverty line and in rural areas where there is limited access to medicines, health services and trained health professionals. They have to go to a city to receive treatment and follow-up. The government has taken limited action to provide free insulin and diabetes care for all people with diabetes. The Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (BADAS) has a large network of centres across the country that mainly support adults living with diabetes. However, the shortage of trained health professionals means that some people with diabetes who receive free medicines are not provided with the education and guidance to use them and manage their condition appropriately. This inspired me and a group of other young people living with diabetes to organise awareness, education and counselling activities for people that are newly diagnosed. We do our best with limited funding and support.

I think the most important things to focus on to improve the lives of people living with diabetes in my country are nutritional education and guidance on how to administer medication and self-monitor the condition. Diabetes education provided by health professionals should also be more person-centered and complemented with counselling and psychological support, particularly for people who are newly diagnosed.

My message to children recently diagnosed with diabetes is to not pay any attention to people around you who know nothing about the condition. Listen to the health professionals that support your treatment. You are not responsible for having diabetes so don’t hide it, stay positive and make the most of your potential. You can make your life what you want it to be.

“Interacting with other people with type 1 diabetes has inspired me to manage my diabetes better and improved my quality of life.”