Core Insights - Diabetic retinopathy ('sugar net') often shows no early symptoms, leading many patients to seek medical help only after experiencing significant vision issues, indicating irreversible retinal damage [1] - Approximately one-third of diabetic patients will develop diabetic retinopathy, with other eye complications including cataracts and neovascular glaucoma [1] - Long-term high blood sugar levels increase the permeability of retinal blood vessels, causing leakage and retinal edema, which can ultimately lead to vision loss [1] Group 1 - Diabetic retinopathy is not exclusive to the elderly; younger individuals are increasingly affected, with rapid disease progression noted in younger patients due to faster metabolism and proliferation [2] - Regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection and management of diabetic retinopathy, especially for younger patients [2] - Strict blood sugar control is essential to reduce vascular damage and improve retinal oxygenation, thereby lowering the risk of disease progression [2]

Core Insights - The rising prevalence of diabetes in China is alarming, with 233 million patients reported in 2023, marking a 163% increase since 2005, and affecting approximately 15.88% of the population [1][4][7] - The incidence of type 2 diabetes among individuals aged 15-39 is growing at a rate three times higher than the overall population, indicating a concerning trend of younger individuals being diagnosed [1][4][11] Summary by Sections Prevalence and Demographics - As of 2023, China has 233 million diabetes patients, accounting for 1/4 of the global diabetes population, with a prevalence rate of 15.88% [1][4] - The standardized incidence rate of diabetes is projected to rise linearly, reaching 16.15% by 2030, 21.52% by 2040, and 29.10% by 2050 if no measures are taken [4][11] Young Population Impact - The incidence of new type 2 diabetes cases in the 15-39 age group has consistently outpaced the overall growth rate from 2017 to 2021 [4][11] - The diabetes prevalence in the 10-14 age group is increasing at an annual rate of 3.88%, indicating a worrying trend among younger populations [7] Lifestyle Factors - Type 2 diabetes is primarily linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity, with 90% of diabetes patients in China diagnosed with this type [7][11] - The average sedentary time for individuals in China is around 9 hours per day, with nearly one-third of the population not engaging in sufficient physical activity [15] Regional Disparities - There is a notable regional disparity in diabetes prevalence, with northern regions like Beijing and Tianjin exceeding 20%, while areas like Tibet and Guangxi report rates below 10% [16] - The relationship between economic development and diabetes prevalence is evident, with higher Human Development Index (HDI) regions showing significantly higher rates of diabetes [16] Dietary Habits - The dietary preferences of the Chinese population, particularly among the youth, lean heavily towards high-calorie, high-fat foods, while intake of essential nutrients like fruits and vegetables is insufficient [12][19] - A report indicates that over half of the takeout orders in major cities consist of high-carb, high-fat, and meat-heavy dishes, contributing to unstable blood sugar levels [19][22] Awareness and Management - Approximately 350 million individuals in China are estimated to be pre-diabetic, significantly outnumbering those diagnosed with diabetes [22] - Despite an increase in awareness, with 52.3% of diabetes patients now aware of their condition, the treatment control rate remains below 40% [22]