Two-thirds of people with diabetes are unaware they have the disease

Personal blood glucose meter.

Vietnam currently has approximately 2 million people diagnosed with diabetes, with about 65% unaware of their condition. This lack of awareness is one of the reasons why patients are at high risk for complications such as blindness, disability, and stroke.

Dr. Ta Van Binh, Director of the Central Endocrinology Hospital, stated that since 1990, the diabetes rate has increased tenfold in major cities. Experts from the World Health Organization believe that the rate of diabetes development in Vietnam is even higher than their predictions. This condition typically appears in people in their fifties but is now increasingly affecting younger individuals, including youth and even children.

The symptoms of diabetes include persistent thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, sudden weight loss, recurrent infections (especially skin, genital, and urinary infections), and slow-healing wounds. However, the symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes are often atypical.

Many individuals are unaware that they have the disease. According to Dr. Binh, the public’s complacency and lack of knowledge about diabetes is the biggest barrier to effective treatment today. High-risk individuals have been warned but often do not take it seriously, neglecting regular health check-ups to detect and treat the condition early. Even those diagnosed with diabetes may not consistently seek medical care, self-medicate, or stop their medication. By the time they reach the hospital, they may already have complications such as stroke, peripheral circulation disorders, foot necrosis, and in severe cases, may require amputations, suffer from kidney failure, erectile dysfunction, or even blindness.

“Check your blood glucose levels to know whether you are in a safe or dangerous range, as your blood glucose may be frighteningly high even when you feel completely normal,” Dr. Binh emphasized. Both high and low blood sugar levels can lead to misfortune, resulting in coma or even death. Blood glucose levels above 8 mmol/dl can cause damage to vital organs such as the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Research shows that among 10 deaths due to type 2 diabetes, 7 patients experience cardiovascular complications, primarily strokes and cerebrovascular accidents. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of end-stage kidney failure and blindness due to diabetic retinopathy.

Professor Le Ngoc Trong, Deputy Minister of Health, noted that diabetes is a serious threat to life and can lead to numerous complications (every two patients, one has complications). Before the 18th century, most people with diabetes died within a short time due to the lack of treatment. In the early 19th century, Fredric Banting discovered insulin, which has saved the lives of diabetes patients. His birthday (November 14) has been designated as World Diabetes Day.

Hai Ha