Boost for diabetes awareness

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WHILE records show that there are 1.2 million diabetics in the country, more than half of Malaysia’s diabetic population are unaware that they have diabetes mellitus until they are treated for one of its serious complications.

In a bid to encourage effective diabetic management, Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) together with Persatuan Diabetes Malaysia (PDM) organised a half-day programme to help Malaysians gain a better understanding of the disease and to share important tips to manage the condition.

Held in conjunction with World Diabetes Day which falls on Nov 14, the programme is also part of the ongoing campaign by MSD Malaysia entitled “Living Well with Diabetes.” This year’s programme at Taman Tasik Lembah Kiara in Taman Tun Dr Ismail attracted hundreds of participants, including diabetic patients.

This is the third consecutive year that MSD Malaysia has embarked on the “Living Well with Diabetes” campaign since its inception in 2007.

In the first year, sugar-lite teh tarik was introduced to promote the importance of a low sugar diet while the second year’s campaign focused on dietary and nutritional requirements as well as healthy meal preparations.

“This year, we decided on a comprehensive approach through a fun-filled and educational event to emphasise the importance of diet, exercise and appropriate measures for good diabetic management.

Themed “Race to Goal”, the objective is to drive home the message that diabetics need to keep their blood glucose levels within treatment goals. This is to help prevent complications arising from the disease and maintain a good quality of life,” said MSD Malaysia managing director Ewe Kheng Huat.

Persatuan Diabetes Malaysia secretary-general Datuk Rahimah Datuk Haji Ahmad said: “As a nation blessed with a delectable spread of food, we often don’t think about the sugar and calorie content of what we consume. This, coupled with modern day sedentary lifestyles, has contributed to a significant increase in diabetic cases in Malaysia.”

She said Malaysians should not have a lackadaisical attitude, thinking that the disease would not affect them.

Previously a disease of the middle- aged and elderly, type 2 diabetes (the most common type of diabetes which affects around 90% of patients worldwide) has since become more common in all age groups and is also increasingly seen in younger people.

She urged those with a family history of diabetes to have their sugar levels checked regularly. Early detection can help prevent complications.

This year’s programme also garnered the support of seven companies to educate Malaysians on diabetes. Among them are BOH Plantations, Celebrity Fitness, Ecogreen, Foot Solutions, Nestle Malaysia, Vista Eye Specialist and Yeo Hiap Seng.