Prevention of diabetes in Bangladeshis in East London: experiences and views of young people

Abstract

Background and objectives: Type 2 diabetes is common amongst Bangladeshis, and prevention strategies are needed. Little is known about the views of younger people concerning diabetes prevention and the risk factors. We aimed to explore the experience and views on the prevention of diabetes amongst young Bangladeshis in Tower Hamlets.

Methods: Semistructured interviews involving 40 young Bangladeshis.

Results: Participants were aware of diabetes being a major health issue and its link with poor diet. Many had a relative with diabetes, and some had negative experiences, such as suffering poor control, complications, or hypoglycemia. Knowledge of diabetes was predominantly gleaned from school. Many felt that older generations were at higher risk due to lack of exercise and reliance on traditional diets. Participants recognized that the Westernized diets also increased the risk of diabetes. Views on prevention of diabetes were strong, including increasing diabetes awareness in schools, rewards for healthier lifestyles, reducing costs of exercise, reducing advertising of poorly nutritious foods, and tackling the proliferation of fast food outlets.

Conclusions: Young Bangladeshi people showed good knowledge of diabetes and its causes and have cogent ideas on its prevention. The views of young people should be considered when developing diabetes prevention strategies at the local and national level.

Keywords: Bangladesh; diabetes; prevention; young people.