Notably, 65 percent of diabetes patients have not been officially diagnosed, and a majority of those that have been diagnosed have yet to receive proper treatment.
In the 1990s, diabetes affected 1.2 percent of the population of 20-to-79-years-old. The rate jumped to 5.7 percent in 2012.
As part of a series of activities in response to the World Diabetes Day, which falls on Friday, an event to raise awareness on this life-threatening disease was held, with free check-ups and consultations for local people.
According to Ho Chi Minh Nutrition Center, over the last 10 years, diabetes has increased at an alarming rate of 300 percent in the city, much higher than the country's average.
As much as 7.9 percent and 35.6 percent of the city's adult population suffer from diabetes and pre-diabetes, respectively.
Doctors attributed the growing number of local diabetics to the protein-laden diets and a lack of physical exercises.
As a chronic disease, diabetes increases the risk of other serious health problems, such as blindness or heart and kidney failure.
Medical experts said diabetes and its complications can be prevented through early treatment, staying in good physical shape and eating healthily.
As of November 2013, Vietnam's population hit 90 million, according to the General Statistics Office.
By Ruchi Singh
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
