Diabetes has been rising at an alarming rate in Vietnam because ofobesity and lack of excise, health experts said on November 4 at a pressconference to mark World Diabetes Prevention Day (November 14).

A survey by the National Endocrinology Hospital showed that the number of diabetes patients doubled in the past 10 years.

More than five percent of Vietnamese had the ailment in 2012 compared to nearly three percent in 2002.

HospitalDeputy Director Phan Huong Duong said Vietnam now has about fivemillion diabetes patients, of whom 60 percent have not been officiallydetected.

"Out of every 10 diabetes cases in Vietnam, six are diagnosed with complications," Duong said.

"Diabetes can be identified and treated if discovered at an early stage," he added.

DeputyHealth Minister Nguyen Thi Xuyen said that complications such as strokeand eye, kidney and heart diseases can also be prevented.

"Diabetes and its complications can be prevented through dieting and a healthy lifestyle," said Xuyen.

Accordingto Xuyen, Vietnam faces difficulties in preventing non-transmitteddiseases, including diabetes, due to a lack of an overall nationalstrategy.

This was blamed on a lack of human resources atgrass-roots and district levels and a lack of collaboration betweenministries and sectors.

"Practising exercise or walking 30 minutes daily can reduce diabetes risks by 40 percent," Xuyen said.

Otherexperts said strengthening community awareness on disease preventioncould help. Priority should be also given to early detection andtreatment system.

To mark World Diabetes Day, a communication campaign will be promoted nation-wide to encourage healthy lifestyles and diets.

Endocrinology hospitals will also provide free check-ups to people at risks of diabetes.-VNA