Malaysia Boleh!
Unfortunately, this is also true in some less-than-savoury (no pun intended) achievements, such as being the country with the highest level of diabetes in South-East Asia.
The statistics do not end there:
- Almost one in every five Malaysians has diabetes.
- Our country is among the top 20 in the world when it comes to the number of people with diabetes.
- The average age of a patient when diagnosed is 53.
The average Malaysian consumes seven teaspoons of sugar daily.
We may know that diabetes is associated with high sugar (glucose) levels in the body, but many of us do not know the other complications that can occur as a result of this.
Some of these complications are:
The pervasive rise in sugar-laden diets parallels the global obesity epidemic.
The 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) revealed that half of adult Malaysians were overweight or obese.
Excessive sugar intake, particularly from high-calorie beverages and processed foods, has been identified as a major contributor.
This, in turn, heightens the risk of developing diabetes, establishing a perilous link between dietary choices and metabolic health.
For some, the effect may be apparent on the waistline, for others, the cardiovascular system suffers.
Studies have demonstrated a correlation between high sugar intake and increased risks of heart disease and stroke.
Elevated blood sugar levels – often a consequence of persistent sugar consumption – trigger mechanisms that can lead to dysfunction within the cardiovascular system.
Surveys have indicated that approximately 80% of diabetic patients in Malaysia have concurrent hypertension (high blood pressure).
The health ramifications extend beyond matters of the heart.
Excess sugar has been implicated in kidney damage (14% of patients in Malaysia as of the year 2020), nerve impairment leading to conditions like neuropathy, and eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy.
Fifteen percent of male patients in Malaysia with diabetes also reported erectile dysfunction.
A holistic understanding of these health consequences underscores the urgent need for interventions to curb excessive sugar consumption.
Economic burden
As sugar-related health problems escalate, so do healthcare costs.
Treating conditions stemming from excessive sugar intake strains healthcare systems globally.
In Malaysia, the cost of treating diabetes alone was RM4.4 billion in 2017, which represented a steep increase from the RM2bil spent in 2011.
The financial burden is not only felt by individuals, but is also a collective challenge.
More discreetly, the burgeoning prevalence of sugar-related health conditions influences insurance premiums.
Insurers grappling with increased claims related to diabetes and cardiovascular issues will pass on the costs to consumers, creating a financial ripple effect that extends beyond the realm of healthcare.
There are also indirect costs via loss of productivity.
Absenteeism and reduced efficiency due to health problems linked to excessive sugar consumption contribute to economic losses.
A healthier workforce is, therefore, not just a personal concern, but also a national economic imperative.
Sugar tax
In the recent Budget 2024, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim proposed measures to increase the excise duty on sugary drinks from 40 sen to 50 sen per litre.
This is a form of sugar tax that is part of an arsenal of strategic tools to combat the impact of sugar on our health.
Several countries have turned to sugar taxes as a policy instrument.
These taxes levied on sugary beverages – and, in some cases, on foods with added sugars – aim to reduce consumption and address the associated health risks.
Countries that have implemented such taxes, e.g. Mexico, the United Kingdom and South Africa, have witnessed reductions in sugary drink purchases.
Such findings indicate that fiscal policies can influence consumer behaviour and act as a nudge towards healthier choices.
It is of even greater value if the revenue generated is used specifically for health-related incentives, e.g. public health promotion and the running of dialysis centres.
A sugar tax is not a panacea on its own.
It should be part of a more comprehensive approach, which should include education on nutrition and the promotion of nutritionally-balanced meals, both in school and in the public space.
Culturally, our food is not only rich in sugar (think of all the kuih and drool-inducing desserts such as ABC), but also in carbohydrates (i.e. rice, noodles and bread), which break down to glucose and cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
We also consume a lot of sugary drinks, from soft drinks to energy drinks and bubble tea.
For many of us, the first step to a healthier diet may be as simple as choosing to have plain water with our meals.
Prevention is better than a cure, especially for diabetes.
This is as diabetes is very difficult to reverse once it has been established as a diagnosis.
Its health and economic impacts are immense, presenting a complex challenge that requires multifaceted solutions.
Sugar taxes, while not without criticism, have emerged as a promising tool to mitigate the health consequences and alleviate the economic strain associated with the global sweet tooth.
A balanced approach, encompassing education and awareness alongside policy interventions, is crucial to address this pressing public health issue.
Dr Helmy Haja Mydin is a consultant lung specialist, CEO of the Social & Economic Research Initiative and a Special Advisor to the Health Minister. For further information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
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