Diabetes knows no age limit, making regular blood sugar checks essential for prompt medical intervention.
Diabetes Malaysia (Tanjung Puteri branch) president Datuk Tan Poi Chung warned that the condition was a “silent killer” that could trigger life-threatening complications such as heart attacks or stroke.
“What is particularly worrying is that it can go unnoticed for years until it is too late,” Tan said, highlighting that early detection was possible through a simple test.
“By monitoring our glucose levels – even without a diagnosis – we can catch the early warning signs and take action.”
Tan said this when met during the branch’s annual general assembly in Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, Johor Baru.
The branch was set up almost 20 years ago.
The non-governmental organisation has been conducting programmes, including exhibitions and talks, to increase public awareness about the disease.
Tan lamented that despite its prevalence and danger, many Malaysians were still not taking diabetes seriously.
The event was launched by Skudai assemblyman Marina Ibrahim, who also voiced concern about the country’s growing number of diabetics.
“We have to stop looking at this as a disease that only affects the elderly, as many living with the condition are below 50 years old.
“In fact, young people, including schoolchildren, are also being diagnosed with the condition more frequently now.
“This is partly due to the unhealthy food that is cheaply available, not just in schools but also outside,” said Marina.
In November last year, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said about 3.6 million adults in Malaysia (18.3% of the adult population) were living with diabetes.
Citing a report from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, Dr Dzulkefly added that nearly 1.9 million people were unaware of their condition.
In a special report by The Star later the same month, it was revealed that the number had risen to 21%, or one in every five people, as at 2024.
It added that data from the World Bank also showed that Malaysia had the highest rate of diabetes in South-East Asia.
