Diabetes: What Challenges Lie Ahead for Vietnam?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Endocrinology
• Health Policy

Background:

• Economic and social changes in Vietnam are altering disease patterns, with diabetes becoming a leading cause of death and disability.
• The rising prevalence of diabetes poses a significant public health challenge in Vietnam.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of challenges in diabetes prevention in Vietnam.
• To identify effective strategies for diabetes prevention and control.
• To explore methods for improving the quality of life for individuals with diabetes.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was performed.
• Databases searched include PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Vietnamese sources.
• Keywords used were "Diabetes," "Prevention," and "Prevalence of Diabetes."

Main Results:

• Approximately 5.76 million people in Vietnam currently live with diabetes.
• The age-adjusted comparative prevalence of diabetes was around 6% in 2017.
• Government intervention is needed to address social risk factors and healthcare costs.

Conclusions:

• Vietnam requires enhanced social security and policy programs to mitigate diabetes risk factors and treatment costs.
• Improved management of diabetes-related complications, including early diagnosis and novel treatments, is essential.
• Equitable access to healthcare services for diabetes patients in rural areas and among ethnic minorities must be prioritized to reduce health disparities and mortality.