Raising public awareness to combat diabetes

Da Nang is proactively preventing and controlling diabetes by promoting awareness campaigns, enhancing community understanding, and strengthening healthcare activities to detect the disease early, ensuring people have access to timely treatment, thereby improving their quality of life.

Medical staff provide counseling and screening for diabetes to residents in the city. Photo: LE HUNG

Proactive disease prevention

Currently, diabetes is rapidly increasing globally and affecting younger people. In Vietnam, the prevalence rate is approximately 6-7% of the population, with 60% of those diagnosed not receiving early diagnosis and treatment, leading to many dangerous complications, including acute complications such as hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and chronic complications causing damage to organs such as the cardiovascular system, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and skin.

According to the head of the city's Center for Disease Control (CDC), through various channels, especially on its official website and fanpage, the unit focuses on disseminating information on preventive measures, signs of diabetes; risk factors, advice on nutrition and healthy lifestyles; and effective methods for testing and managing the disease.

At the same time, the CDC coordinates with medical units and facilities to organize screening examinations to promptly detect cases of diabetes and advise people on timely access to treatment methods. In particular, to facilitate people in raising awareness of disease prevention and proper control, the Da Nang CDC has also established a diabetes and hypertension counseling center.

Dr. Nguyen Dai Vinh, Director of the Da Nang CDC, said that at the consultation room, people are guided by doctors and medical staff from the Department of Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control on how to prevent, detect diseases early, and methods of treatment and disease management. All people's questions will be answered thoroughly by the medical staff, enabling them to cooperate in controlling the disease situation, adhering to and achieving treatment goals, building a positive lifestyle, reducing the rate of disease complications, and contributing to protecting, caring for, and improving the health of the people.

With the goal of raising awareness, knowledge, and self-care skills for patients, Da Nang C Hospital regularly organizes activities at the Diabetes Patient Club. According to the leadership of Da Nang C Hospital, the Diabetes Patient Club is a model for activities for patients receiving treatment at the hospital as well as in the community.

With the motto "Understand correctly - live healthily - control well," the club helps patients grasp scientific knowledge and stay updated on advances in the treatment and management of diabetes. At the same time, it guides patients on how to measure blood glucose, use medication, and maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.

According to Dr. Nguyen Tan Dung, Deputy Director of Da Nang C Hospital, diabetes is rapidly increasing in Vietnam, therefore providing patients with an environment to acquire more knowledge about the disease in order to prevent early complications is extremely important. The Diabetes Patient Club serves as a bridge between patients and healthcare professionals, contributing to sustainable changes in health behavior. It also helps patients live healthier, more proactive lives with chronic diseases, improves treatment quality, reduces complications, and lessens the burden on the healthcare system.

Screening for early disease detection.

With funding from the Fred Hollows Foundation (FHF) under the project "Early Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy in the Community," hospitals in the city have organized numerous screening programs to detect diabetic retinopathy early among the population over the years...

Technicians at Da Nang Eye Hospital take color fundus photographs for residents. Photo: LE HUNG

According to the head of the Department of Health, during the screening sessions, people were screened, had their blood sugar measured, their vision tested, and had color fundus photos taken… In addition, doctors and nurses answered questions and guided people on eye care and prevention of diabetic retinopathy from an early age.

According to experts, diabetes causes complications in the brain, heart, kidneys, eyes, and peripheral nerves. Eye complications include diabetic retinopathy, which can cause irreversible vision loss. The longer a person has diabetes, the higher the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Good blood sugar control and management of these conditions can help slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy to a severe stage.

To effectively prevent diabetes, the Da Nang CDC recommends that every citizen maintain regular physical activity; follow a scientific diet, limit sugar intake, and increase consumption of green vegetables and fiber-rich foods. At the same time, regular health check-ups are recommended for early detection and treatment. Early detection of diabetes is crucial for timely consultation and guidance on appropriate diet and lifestyle to slow disease progression.

In response to World Diabetes Day 2025, on the morning of November 14th, the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, in collaboration with Novo Nordisk, organized the program "Know More and Act More for Diabetes Patients". The program included activities such as: an exhibition titled "My Path"; meetings and consultations with experts on early detection and effective disease control through proper nutrition and exercise; and free health check-ups and consultations.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/nang-cao-nhan-thuc-cong-dong-day-lui-benh-dai-thao-duong-3309998.html