TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The number of people under 40 with diabetes in Taiwan is on the rise, according to The Diabetes Association of Taiwan (TDAA) and Taiwanese Association of Diabetes Educators (TADE). 

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday (Nov. 6), per CNA, the two associations said a survey shows the number of people with diabetes in Taiwan will exceed three million by the end of the year. Also, there has been an increase in the incidence of the disease for the under-40s.

A “foodfluencer,” surnamed Huang (黃), commented she was diagnosed with diabetes at 37 though she tried her best to stick to a healthy diet.  

Huang Jian-ning (黃建寧), chair of TDAA, said Taiwan has the highest prevalence of diabetes in Asia, surpassing Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong. 

TADE Chair Ou Hong-yi (歐弘毅) noted the more frequently blood sugar levels fluctuate, the higher the risk of developing serious complications. Ou said that in such a case it is necessary to reduce consumption of refined carbohydrates. 

Du Ye-fong (杜業豐), a medical specialist at National Chen Kung University Hospital, said forming a healthy eating routine is challenging but necessary for most individuals. Also, receiving regular treatment is important to keep diabetes under control.