Social and economic consequences of diabetes in women from low-income countries: A case study from Bangladesh

Diabetes poses a serious threat to low-income countries such as Bangladesh. It is one of the leading causes of premature morbidity and mortality, and requires life-long healthcare services. Women with diabetes are affected in all stages of their lives, Uniquely, diabetes affects the health of mothers and their unborn children. Poverty, ignorance, and gender discrimination adversely affect women with diabetes. However the Diabetic, Association of Bangladesh has played an increasingly effective role in providing comprehensive socio-medicate and life-long follow-up of diabetic women, free of charge. This is reflected by the increasing attendance of women with diabetes, especially from rural areas. (C) 2008 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.