Background Bangladesh faces a rapidly increasing diabetes burden; however, current evidence is lacking. This study examines recent trends and identifies risk factors associated with changes in the prevalence of diabetes and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) among adults in Bangladesh between 2011 and 2022. Methods Data from three cycles of the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys from 2011 to 2022 were analysed, involving individuals aged 35 years and older. Diabetes was defined according to the WHO criteria as a FPG level of 7.0 mmol/L or higher, and/or self-reported use of glucose-lowering medication. Age-standardised diabetes prevalence was calculated using the direct method, and trends were examined using a generalised estimating equation and generalized additive models. Results The overall age-standardised prevalence of diabetes in 2022 was 20.4% (95%CI: 19.2-21.7), significantly rising from 10.7% (95%CI: 9.8-11.6) in 2011 and 12.8% (95%CI: 11.7-14.0) in 2017-18. After adjusting for potential covariates, prevalence ratios (PRs) increased by 37% (PR: 1.37; 95%CI: 1.31-1.43) per BDHS cycle, with women showing the largest increase (PR: 1.43; 95%CI: 1.34-1.52). Likewise, FPG levels increased by 0.32 mmol/L overall (95%CI: 0.29-0.35), with a larger increase observed in women (0.36 mmol/L; 95%CI: 0.31-0.41) compared to men (0.27 mmol/L; 95%CI: 0.23-0.32). Body mass index and socioeconomic status were the key risk factors for changes in diabetes and elevated FPG. Interpretation The prevalence of diabetes and FPG levels have significantly increased among adults in Bangladesh from 2011 to 2022, especially among women. Population-level interventions are urgently needed to control this increasing burden of diabetes in Bangladesh. Keywords: Trends, Prevalence, Diabetes, Bangladesh

The authors have declared no competing interest.

This study did not receive any funding

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