TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwan Association of Diabetes Educators (中華民國糖尿病衛教學會) revealed on Wednesday (Nov. 5) that more than 2.56 million people in Taiwan have diabetes, leading to a dual challenge of aging and youth in its diabetic population. The association launched the latest "Taiwan Diabetes Yearbook" (台灣糖尿病年鑑) during a press conference, highlighting the growing prevalence of diabetes among individuals younger than 40.
Hsu Chih-cheng (許志成), the convener of the Taiwan Diabetes Yearbook and CEO of the National Center for Geriatrics and Welfare Research (國家高齡醫學暨健康福祉研究中心), reported a 25% increase in diabetes incidence among those under 40. He emphasized that diabetes is no longer a disease exclusive to middle-aged and older adults, noting that younger patients experience a longer disease course with earlier onset of complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular diseases.
Chung-Mei Ouyang (歐陽鍾美), a dietitian and director at the National Taiwan University Hsinchu Branch (新竹台大分院新竹醫院), attributed this trend to unhealthy lifestyle habits. She cited high-sugar, high-calorie diets, frequent dining out, and insufficient exercise as primary contributors. According to a survey, over 30% of adults consume sugary drinks daily, with even higher rates among teenagers.
Ouyang noted that approximately 70% of packaged beverages on the market qualify as "high sugar" products, with 41.6% containing sugar levels exceeding the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 25 grams per serving. She highlighted that 98% of full-sugar hand-shaken drinks significantly surpass this threshold.