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PETALING JAYA: One in two diabetic patients in Malaysia is likely not to know they have the disease until they have a blood sugar level test, according to the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS).
The survey estimated that 18.3% of Malaysians (3.9 million people) aged 18 and over have diabetes, a significant increase from 11.2% in 2011 and 13.4% in 2015.
The Ministry of Health estimated that in 2017 diabetes contributed RM10bil to the burden of the main non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases and cancer, in the national economy.
“In terms of cost of lost productivity, a total of RM5.7bil was reported for diabetes, the highest compared to cardiovascular diseases (RM2.9bil) and cancer (RM357mil),” said the Director General of Health, Tan Sri, Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah in a statement in conjunction with World Diabetes Day on Saturday (November 14).
The Health Ministry said that people should comply with the treatment and advice of health professionals, as well as adopt a healthy lifestyle, as diabetes can be prevented.
“Prevent and control diabetes through healthy lifestyle practices. Practice a balanced diet and an active lifestyle. Don’t smoke, cultivate a healthy mind and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, ”he said.
Dr. Noor Hisham also recommended to the public that they get regular medical examinations and know their BMI, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol level.
“If you have diabetes, self-monitoring of blood sugar levels, such as self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), is recommended and can be done at home with a glucometer,” he added.
He also said that the Ministry had been working with the community to promote a healthy lifestyle and early detection of NCDs across the country by strengthening the Komuniti Sihat Pembina Negara (Kospen) program.
“Volunteers at the community level have been trained through Kospen and this intervention program will be carried out more effectively and extensively to empower the community to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
“The Health Ministry hopes that Malaysians are always committed and continue to take care of their health to prevent diabetes, especially those at risk,” he said, adding that people with diabetes are among the group at highest risk of infection by the virus. Covid-19 and severity.
“During the Deepavali festivities, practice mindful eating, continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle, practice the new rules, and follow standard operating procedures in your daily activities,” said Dr. Noor Hisham.
The theme for this year’s World Diabetes Day is “Diabetes: Nurses Make a Difference” was chosen to raise public awareness of the important role nurses play in the prevention and control of diabetes in Malaysia and all over the world.
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