Hanoi:Viet Nam is currently grappling with a significant increase in diabetes, with approximately 8 million adults living with the condition, as reported by the Ministry of Health.

According to Socialist Republic of Vietnam Government News, among those affected, 55 percent are already experiencing complications related to diabetes. Additionally, only 36 percent of patients with type 2 diabetes are achieving their blood sugar control targets.

In response to the growing health challenge, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with various agencies and hospitals, is launching a series of activities to mark World Diabetes Day. These activities include screenings, counseling, and public awareness campaigns at five medical facilities Can Tho City General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City University Medical Center, National Hospital of Endocrinology, Thanh Hoa Endocrinology Hospital, and Hong Ngoc General Hospital.

The initiative aims to screen approximately 1,500 individuals to identify those at risk of diabetes at an early stage. Participants will receive blood glucose tests, assessments of their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, body measurements, and direct consultations with endocrinologists to facilitate early intervention and appropriate treatment.

Statistics indicate a concerning rise in diabetes cases in Viet Nam, with numbers increasing from 3.5 million in 2017 to 8 million by 2026. Common complications include retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, cardiovascular disease, and nephropathy, contributing to a significant health and financial burden on patients and the healthcare system.