According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes is a leading cause of premature death, disability, and a significant burden on healthcare systems if not well controlled. The condition occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar.

Proactively learn about diabetes to enjoy a more complete and happy life. *Photo: Shutterstock*

In Vietnam, an estimated 7 million people live with diabetes, with over 55% of patients already experiencing complications, including cardiovascular, neurological, and renal issues.

Beyond chronic complications, diabetes patients face a higher risk of infectious diseases. A Canadian database study indicates that individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to infections like influenza, shingles, pneumococcal disease, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) compared to those without the condition.

This vulnerability is exemplified by cases like Mr. Nam (*), 65, who, after living with diabetes for many years, was hospitalized with RSV pneumonia. During his treatment, doctors observed significant fluctuations in his blood sugar, making his underlying condition harder to control and resulting in a prolonged hospital stay. Associate Professor Doctor Nguyen Khoa Dieu Van, Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Endocrinology and Diabetes, emphasizes, "Diabetes patients need to understand disease prevention measures, especially for bacterial and viral infections. This aims to improve quality of life and reduce long-term treatment costs."

To mitigate these risks, Associate Professor Doctor Nguyen Khoa Dieu Van suggests several proactive disease prevention activities, including:

Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Patients need to adhere to a reasonable daily routine, exercise, and diet to effectively control blood sugar.

Regular health check-ups: Patients should visit a specialist regularly for early treatment, to maintain stable blood sugar levels, and to boost the body's immunity.

Associate Professor Doctor Nguyen Khoa Dieu Van shares about infectious disease and infection prevention measures for diabetes patients. *Photo: GSK*

Proactively access prevention solutions: Recommendations from international medical associations and the Vietnam Ministry of Health emphasize the role of preventing infectious diseases and infections in patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, aiming to minimize infection risk and protect long-term health.

Beyond medical interventions, empathy, understanding, and support from family members are a vital "medicine" that helps patients live happily and actively with their families. This meaningful message is also conveyed by GSK Vietnam through its "Trao dau yeu, Giu suc khoe" (Give Love, Keep Health) campaign. GSK is currently focusing on researching and developing new solutions, combining science and technology to prevent and treat diseases more effectively, thereby reducing the burden of illness and bringing positive impacts to public health at all stages of life.

(*) Character's name has been changed

Lan Anh