World Diabetes Day: CAP urges awareness and action

World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14, stands as a global initiative by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). This year’s focus revolves around raising awareness of the risks associated with Type 2 diabetes.

The prevalence of diabetes, as per the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey, has surged to 18.3 percent among adults aged 18 and above. With over six million estimated diabetics in Malaysia, addressing the escalating issue is crucial for the nation’s well-being.

The Diabetes challenge in Malaysia

Despite numerous campaigns, diabetes, particularly Type 2, has proliferated in Malaysia, posing significant health and economic challenges. The typical Malaysian diet and lifestyle, rich in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates, contribute to the alarming rise in diabetes.

Even children as young as five or six are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, reflecting the severity of the issue. One in every five Malaysians has been diagnosed with diabetes, and the country ranks sixth among Asian nations with a high adult obesity rate, a major contributor to diabetes.

Diabetes not only has a negative impact on the quality of life and health care costs but also increases the economic burden of individuals, families, and communities, thus affecting national productivity.

In spite of many campaigns against diabetes, its prevalence, especially that of Type 2 has increased to epidemic proportions in Malaysia. Yearly the government has to spend RM4.9 billion to implement efforts to deal with problems related to diabetes in the country.

The impact and urgent measures

Beyond affecting health care costs and diminishing the quality of life, diabetes places a heavy economic burden on Malaysia. A report by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and WHO highlighted that diabetes consumes 45.4 percent of annual healthcare spending among chronic illnesses.

This surpasses spending on cardiovascular disease (40.7 percent) and cancer (13.9 percent). Diabetes takes a toll on various aspects, including limbs, eyesight, kidneys, heart, and nerves of sufferers.

As World Diabetes Day approaches, the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) calls on Malaysians to adopt a healthy lifestyle to prevent Type 2 diabetes and its complications.

Given the alarming rise in diabetes cases, CAP urges authorities to implement crucial measures. Recommendations include maintaining a healthy body weight, regular physical activity, a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco use, and reducing sugar consumption.

Apart from that, higher taxes on fast-food restaurants, banning unhealthy substitutes like High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), reducing sugar in products, clearer sugar labeling, restricting advertisements for high-sugar and junk food, and banning their sale in school premises would also help to promote a healthy lifestyle.

A comprehensive media campaign on diabetes dangers and the importance of physical activities is essential. Urgent action is needed to manage and curb the diabetes epidemic, preventing a heavy financial, productivity, and health burden on the nation. It’s time for substantial measures to ensure a healthier future for Malaysia.