Bangladesh health officials investigate patient death linked to keto diet advice

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has formed a six-member investigation committee following the death of a diabetic patient. The investigation centers on allegations that the patient was advised to stop taking insulin in favor of a keto diet and specific supplements.

The complaint was filed by Professor Dr. Indrajit Prasad, head of the Endocrinology Department at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. According to the allegations, a 36-year-old woman, Sumi Begum, contacted Health Revolution Limited, an institution run by Dr. Jahangir Kabir, via online channels. The institution reportedly advised her to cease insulin use and instead follow a specific carbohydrate-free diet and consume high-priced supplements.

Following these recommendations, the patient's diabetes became uncontrolled, leading to severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). She subsequently died while receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The committee will investigate whether there is a direct link between the advice to stop insulin and the patient's death, as well as the use of unauthorized supplements.

The committee is headed by Dr. Mohammad Monir-uz-Zaman, Principal of Sir Salimullah Medical College, and has been tasked with submitting a report within 10 working days.