PETALING JAYA: At festive tables laden with kuih, biscuits and sweetened drinks, some Malaysians are choosing restraint over indulgence, conscious that repeated celebrations can take a toll on their long-term health.
For Wan Muhammad Rifa’at Rosli, 34, discipline is not optional.
Living with prediabetes, he has spent the past six years closely monitoring his blood sugar levels, a habit shaped by both family history and a health scare during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I started losing weight after testing positive for Covid-19. When I went for a check-up, doctors found my blood sugar was high and I had to start medication,” said the consultant.
ALSO READ:
The warning signs, he said, are clear.
“I get tired easily and urinate frequently when my sugar levels rise. Even small wounds take longer to heal, so I have to be extra careful.”
During festive periods such as Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Wan Muhammad Rifa’at keeps a close watch on what he eats.
“I’m always alert to signs that my sugar is going up. When that happens, I cut out sugar in drinks completely, reduce my rice portions and make sure I don’t skip my medication,” he said.
Sweet food and drinks are not entirely off-limits, but controlled in moderation.
“I will also drink plenty of plain water to help balance things out,” he added.
For Mohd Azahari Mokhtar, 39, who works at a law firm, living with diabetes requires constant self-discipline.
“It’s challenging because I have to be very mindful of what I eat and how it affects my blood sugar,” he said.
Mohd Azahari adds that he keeps his condition in check by regularly monitoring his glucose levels and eliminating sweetened beverages altogether.
“Every week, I use a blood glucose meter to make sure my readings are stable. I watch my portion sizes and only drink water so my blood sugar doesn’t spike,” he said, adding that supplements also form part of his routine.
Exercise, he noted, is just as important.
“Besides reducing carbohydrates, I try to stay active with gym workouts and cardio exercises.”
Even among those without diabetes, awareness is shaping choices as the festive season approaches.
A man who wished to be known only as Mohamed, 25, said he avoids snacking during Hari Raya open houses and limits himself to local meals just two to three times a week.
“No matter how tempting the snacks look, I remind myself they are not good for me. I want to avoid any risk of diabetes,” he said.
Social media specialist Lim, 27, takes a similar approach during Chinese New Year gatherings.
“If there are snacks, I’ll just take one of each to enjoy the taste. For meals, I try to halve my rice portion and make up for it with vegetables,” she said.
