Did You Know That Pre-Diabetes Can Be Reversed?

A new report reveals 41% of Malaysians are at risk of Type 2 Diabetes according to a recent report published by The Sun Life Malaysia through the 2022 Brighter Health Screening Programme. The report indicates that two in five Malaysians aged 18 years and older had high blood glucose readings. The report expects the trend to grow by 30% by 2025.

According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019, more than 3.9 million Malaysians live with diabetes, 50% of whom remain undiagnosed. Experts warn that identifying prediabetes is crucial, as it may help stall the development of diabetes.

Dr Wan Juani Wan Seman, Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist at KPJ Selangor, comments that prediabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to metabolize carbohydrates normally, resulting in higher blood sugar levels. Though most people with prediabetes have no symptoms, it’s a serious health condition that puts them at higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. When prediabetes progresses to Type 2 Diabetes, the risk of serious health problems increases even more. The complications can include kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage, heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and stroke.

Dr Wan Juani notes that optimal management of diabetes goes beyond sugar consumption. High sugar intake does contribute to high blood glucose levels, but it is not the only factor. She advises people to take small steps towards a healthier lifestyle, such as eating high-fibre foods, and low-glycemic foods, and exercising regularly. “The good news is that your fate isn’t set in stone, even if there is a diabetes diagnosis in the family. Being physically active, adopting a healthy diet, and losing weight are all things you can do to significantly lower your risk,” she says.

According to the report, 1 in 3 Malaysians believes that cutting down on sugar is enough. However, the fact is that optimal management of diabetes goes beyond a reduction in sugar consumption. To move towards a healthier lifestyle, it is not necessary to make all the changes at once. Making one positive shift can motivate individuals to continue making more positive changes.

The report highlights some small changes that can be made to one’s lifestyle, such as including fibre-rich foods, low-glycemic foods, portion control, drinking diet soda or reduced-sugar juice, drinking water, intermittent fasting, getting enough sleep, and managing stress.

The report serves as a wake-up call for Malaysians to take prediabetes seriously and make lifestyle changes to prevent the onset of diabetes. “It’s important to identify prediabetes because you can stall the development of diabetes and prevent a patient from developing diabetes,” commented Dr Wan Juani. The report underscores the need for Malaysians to take action to improve their health and reduce the incidence of diabetes in the country.