"The scariest thing is not that diabetes is increasing at a rapid rate globally, but the dangerous complications of this disease", Associate Professor, Doctor Nguyen Thi Bich Dao, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Diabetes and Endocrinology Association, said at a scientific conference at Gia An 115 Hospital, 12/7.

According to Associate Professor Dao, many patients, when diagnosed with diabetes, often ask, "Will I go blind, will I have to have a limb amputated?". This shows the fear of the devastating complications of the disease. Increased blood sugar, if not well controlled, is the leading cause of end-stage kidney failure, stroke, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and angina. Poor blood sugar control is also the culprit behind blindness due to retinal complications and peripheral neuropathy.

The International Diabetes Federation in 2025 estimates that there are about 589 million people with diabetes globally, while 10 years ago this number was only about 450 million. Diabetes increases the risk of stroke by 52%, myocardial infarction by 60%, and coronary artery disease by 73%. Compared to normal people, the risk of heart failure in people with diabetes is up to 84%.

A combined analysis based on more than 1,100 studies worldwide shows that in 1990, people with diabetes accounted for about 7% of the population, and by 2022 this number increased to 14%. Middle- and low-income countries have seen the largest increases, but access to treatment remains low. Notably, 59% of adults aged 30 and over have diabetes but do not take medication, mainly living in middle- and low-income countries.

The time from diabetes diagnosis to the appearance of complications is on average about 3 to 5.2 years, according to one study. Chronic kidney disease is often the earliest complication to appear after a diabetes diagnosis.

Statistics in Vietnam show that the country has about 7 million people with diabetes, but half of them are unaware of their condition, leading to a lack of timely treatment. More than 55% of Vietnamese people with diabetes experience complications, including 34% with cardiovascular complications, 39% with eye and nerve complications, and 24% with kidney complications, increasing medical costs and reducing quality of life.

Doctor Duong Duy Trang, Deputy Director and Head of the Department of Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology at Gia An 115 Hospital, said that diabetes causes complications in many organs, with cardiovascular complications being the most prominent, especially coronary artery disease. The disease is trending younger due to the modern lifestyle, consumption of fast food, a diet high in fat and starch, and lack of exercise.

A doctor examines a patient at Gia An 115 Hospital. Photo: *Hospital provided*

Experts say that diabetes often has no warning symptoms. It is important to have regular blood sugar tests for screening, especially in high-risk groups such as people over 45, those with a family history of diabetes (parents or siblings), those who are overweight or obese, those who are inactive, those with high blood pressure, those with lipid disorders, and those with insulin resistance.

"Early detection, even in the prediabetes stage, and timely intervention can reverse the blood sugar disorder and prevent the progression to diabetes in the future", Associate Professor Dao said. When diagnosed, good blood sugar management is essential to prevent complications, improve quality of life, prolong life expectancy, and reduce mortality.

To prevent the disease and its complications, a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet with adequate nutrition and energy, and avoiding harmful substances such as excess fat, salt, and sweeteners are crucial. Eat plenty of vegetables and limit fast food. Maintaining a healthy weight is important, as being overweight, obese, or having visceral fat can easily increase blood sugar. Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily and avoid going more than two days without physical activity.

Le Phuong