More and more young people are developing diabetes.

Previously, diabetes was typically diagnosed in patients over 40. Now, clinical cases are being detected in children aged 5-8 years old.

According to Professor Thai Hong Quang, President of the Vietnam Association of Endocrinology and Diabetes, diabetes is rapidly increasing worldwide, especially in developing countries.

Professor Quang stated that the WHO predicts that the rate of diabetes worldwide could increase by 54% within 20 years (2010-2030).

Vietnam is one of the countries with the highest rates of diabetes in the world, with approximately 5.4% of the population suffering from the disease, meaning there are 5 million people with diabetes. This rate has doubled compared to the early 2000s.

According to Professor Quang, diabetes patients are getting younger and younger. Photo: Khanh Trung.

In 2015, the highest rates of diabetes in Vietnam were in Binh Duong at 13% and Ho Chi Minh City at over 12%. This is an alarming rate compared to the rest of the world.

Previously, diabetes was typically diagnosed in patients over 40. However, clinical cases are now being detected in children aged 5-8 years old. The causes include genetics, a sedentary lifestyle leading to increased obesity rates, and children developing the disease due to poor eating habits and excessive television viewing.

According to Professor Quang, more than 50% of diabetes patients in our country are unaware of their condition.

Among those diagnosed and treated, approximately 50% of patients experience various complications, including cardiovascular problems and eye damage. Therefore, early detection is crucial in preventing and reducing complications of the disease.

According to Zing