There is growing concern with the management of patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) across countries with sub-optimal management increasing morbidity, mortality and costs. In Bangladesh, the number of patients with diabetes will increase to an estimated 13.7 million by 2045, mainly T2DM, unless addressed. Alongside this, concerns with high rates of uncontrolled blood glucose levels in patients with T2DM in Bangladesh and high complication rates, including both microvascular and macrovascular complications. This adds to the cost of care, which can be a concern among patients in Bangladesh. Alongside this, concerns with the impact of COVID-19 and associated lockdown measures on the care of these patients. Greater proactivity in managing these patients can help. Consequently, a need to ascertain what data is routinely collected in public hospitals, including the pandemic, to guide care. A pilot study was undertaken among 8 patients in Chittagong Medical College using purposely designed case report forms to ascertain the extent of clinical information collected against agreed target levels. There was typically poor control of blood glucose levels, which has resulted in increased prescribing of insulin. However, better control of blood pressure, lipids an albumin levels. There were appreciable missing knowledge gaps especially during the pandemic. This needs addressing.
Key words: Bangladesh, complications, diabetes, guidelines, health policies, type 2 diabetes
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