Background Preeclampsia, sometimes referred to as toxemia or pregnancy-induced hypertension, is a disorder that occurs during pregnancy and affects both the mother and the fetus. It is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by elevated blood pressure, swelling and protein in the urine. The cause of preeclampsia is still not fully understood, though the disease was recognized and described nearly 2000 years ago. Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia is a cause of high morbidity and mortality for both mother and fetus especially in developing countries. Objective Preeclampsia (preE) is a pregnancy disorder characterized by the de novo development of hypertension and proteinuria with multiple path physiologic triggers and mechanisms. Approximately 20% of the diabetic pregnant women develop preE. The mechanisms contributing to this effect is not well characterized. In a recent study, we have shown that hyperglycemia impairs cytotrophoblast (CTB) function via stress signaling. Several researchers demonstrate a direct link between preE and diabetes. The objective of the study was to evaluate potential linkage between the risk of developing preE and the presence of diabetes in pregnant patients in Bangladesh. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of 270 pregnant women performed to evaluate the prevalence of PreE with respect to different risk factors such as previous pregnancy, presence of Antiphospholipid antibodies, pre-existing diabetes (before this pregnancy), multiple gestation / singleton, family history of preE in first degree relative (mother, sister and daughters; most commonly mother), maternal age of 40 or greater. The study was conducted in selected hospitals of Dhaka city, Bangladesh during October 2012 to December 2013. We gave special emphasis on the occurrence of PreE in pre-gestational diabetic patients. This study was approved by the Ethical review committee of Bangladesh Medical Association. Results The key study findings revealed that the rate of development of PreE in Bangladeshi pre-gestational diabetic patients is 27%. Conclusions There is an association has been found between the risk of developing preE and the presence of diabetes in pregnant patients in Bangladesh.