Epidemiology of diabetes mellitus in Taiwan

Diabetes Mellitus can be divided into type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Because of its increasing prevalence and incidence, diabetes mellitus has become a major public health challenge. Based on the current trends, the population of diabetic individuals will swell to a staggering 300 million and have increased in prevalence to an estimated 5.4% by the year 2025. Those who have poor blood sugar control would have sequential complications, including macrovascular diseases (CVD), microvascular diseases (retinopathy and nephropathy), and neuropathy. Furthermore, these complications may progress to severe states, including blindness, end-stage renal disease, and amputation. From the evidence-based medical viewpoint, this article is especially focused on discussing the epidemiology of diabetes mellitus and its complications in Taiwan. We hope that this literatur review could provide more information in establishing screening strategies and health management programs popular diabetic subjects.