Viet Nam has about 8 million adults living with diabetes

Among them, 55 percent are already experiencing complications, while only 36 percent of patients with type 2 diabetes achieve blood sugar control (HbA1c) targets. 

In response to this year's World Diabetes Day, the Ministry of Health, in coordination with relevant agencies and hospitals, is organizing a series of screening, counseling and public awareness activities 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 program is expected to screen about 1,500 people, helping identify those at risk at an early stage, provide counseling and connect them with medical facilities for follow-up monitoring and appropriate treatment.

Participants receive blood glucose tests, assessments of their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, body measurements and direct consultations with endocrinologists.

The rate of diabetes has been steadily increasing in Viet Nam. Statistics from 2021 show that one in every 17 adults was living with diabetes, with nearly 4 million people affected nationwide. However, the rate went up to 8 million in 2026.

Common diabetes complications include retinopathy (39.5 percent), peripheral neuropathy (37.9 percent), cardiovascular disease (33.4 percent) and nephropathy (24.1 percent).

These complications not only seriously affect patients' health and quality of life but also increase the financial burden on families and the healthcare system./.