As much as 5.42% of the total population, suffers from diabetes, according to a study conducted with more than 11,000 respondents between the age of 30-69 as part of the 2012 National Diabetes Prevention Project. The non-communicable disease is prevalent in the southwestern and central coastal regions, the National Hospital of Endocrinology reported at a conference taking place in Hanoi on October 2-4. Changing lifestyle habits and poor public awareness are major factors for the rapid and alarming increase in diabetes patients. Experts warned that individuals who are overweight or have high blood pressure face a higher risk of developing diabetes. If not treated early, the disease can cause long-term complications, such as blindness and kidney failure, they said. During the conference, participants discussed scientific research and treatment options for diabetes in Vietnam. (Vietnamnews.vn Oct 3)
