China

Study populations

China, in 2016, had an estimated population of 1.3bn with 17% under the age of 15 years and 10% aged 65 years and over. By 2050, over one in four people in China (28%) will be aged 65 years or older and only 14% in the younger cohort.

Alongside the ageing population, the prevalence of people with diabetes appears to be increasing – with the most recent statistics reporting 109.6m people living with diabetes and an estimated 57.8m undiagnosed cases. Of note, China is ranked 2nd highest in the world for diabetes–related health expenditure at $51bn USD and will remain in the top 10 countries in 2040 with an estimated cost of $72bn USD.

Report & Infographic

Info-graphic containing overview of findings. For an accessible PDF please click the image.

Time of presentation for screening with an ophthamologist

25% In time for screening, 56.3% When visual problems have already occurred, 18.8% Too late for effective treatment

(Ophthamologists n=16)

In time for screening When visual problems have already occurred Too late for effective treatment

Availability of DR patient education materials in health care providers’ offices

24.4% Sufficient information available, 31.1% Information not sufficient, 33.4% No written information available 11.1% Don’t know

(All providers n=45)

Sufficient information available Information not sufficient No written information available Don’t know

Complications adults with diabetes were most concerned about

34.7% Vision loss, 22.2% Kidney disease, 16.7% Cardiovascular disease/stroke, 11.1% Amputation

(Adults with diabetes n=72)

Vision loss Kidney disease Cardiovascular disease/stroke Amputation

Frequency of discussions about eye complications with health care providers

16/7% Every visit, 18.1% Multiple times per year, 16.7% Once a year, 30.6% When symptoms arise 13.9% Never

(Adults with diabetes n=72)

Every visit Multiple times per year Once a year When symptoms arise Never

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