Tiếng Việt
Despite the rising prevalence, particularly among younger populations, many misconceptions still lead to delayed diagnosis and sub-optimal management.
Only people who eat a lot of sugar develop diabetes?
This is one of the most common misconceptions. In reality, the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes involves a combination of insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction. The condition is associated with multiple risk factors, including:
- Genetic predisposition
- Overweightness and obesity, especially central obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Dyslipidemia
- Hypertension
- Long-term excessive caloric intake
While high consumption of sugar and processed foods may increase risk, it is not the sole cause. Many individuals experience pre-diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance for years before receiving a formal diagnosis.
No symptoms means no diabetes?
In its early stages, type 2 diabetes often progresses silently without noticeable symptoms.
Classic signs such as polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision typically appear only when blood glucose levels are significantly elevated.This often occurs when complications have already developed.
Many cases are detected incidentally during routine health check-ups or after complications arise, such as coronary artery disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy or peripheral neuropathy.
Therefore, regular screening is essential, especially for individuals with metabolic risk factors or a family history of diabetes.
Can medication be stopped once blood sugar is controlled?
Diabetes is a chronic condition requiring long-term management. Achieving target blood glucose or HbA1C levels usually reflects the effectiveness of:
- Pharmacological treatment
- Appropriate nutrition
- Weight control
- Regular physical activity
Discontinuing medication without medical guidance may lead to silent hyperglycemia recurrence, accelerating vascular damage and increasing the risk of complications.
Any treatment adjustments should be made under specialist supervision.
Is diabetes only about blood sugar?
Diabetes is now recognized as a systemic metabolic disease with multi-organ involvement. Beyond glycemic control, patients require comprehensive assessment and management of: blood pressure, lipid profile, cardiovascular function, kidney function, retinal health, and peripheral nerve status.
Modern diabetes care not only aims to reduce HbA1c but also focuses on minimizing cardiovascular risk and protecting target organ function in the long term.
Do young people not need to worry about diabetes?
The trend of type 2 diabetes in younger populations has been increasing significantly in recent years.
Factors such as obesity, high-calorie diets, sedentary lifestyles, and chronic stress contribute to the risk, even in individuals in their 20s and 30s.
Additionally, type 1 diabetes, characterized by absolute insulin deficiency, can occur in children and adolescents, requiring lifelong insulin therapy.
A comprehensive approach to diabetes management
Modern diabetes care requires a holistic approach that goes beyond glycemic control to minimize both macrovascular and microvascular complications.
Patients should receive:
- Regular monitoring of blood glucose and HbA1c
- Blood pressure and lipid control
- Cardiovascular risk assessment
- Screening for kidney, eye, and nerve complications
- Personalized nutrition and physical activity counseling
- Individualized treatment based on age, comorbidities, and cardio-renal risk
At Hanoi French Hospital (HFH), diabetes management follows a multidisciplinary approach involving Endocrinology, Cardiology, Nephrology, Urology, Ophthalmology, Nutrition, and other relevant specialties. This ensures you receive a comprehensive and patient-centered treatment plan.
HFH’s advanced laboratory and diagnostic systems support close monitoring of metabolic parameters, early detection of complications, and optimization of long-term treatment outcomes, helping patients achieve better disease control and maintain a sustainable quality of life.
To schedule a consultation with HFH specialists, please contact the hotline 024.35771100 or message the fanpage “Hanoi French Hospital”, or WhatsApp: +84 903 497 078
