ACCORDING to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, one in six adults has diabetes and two in five are unaware they even have the disease.
A sedentary lifestyle, diets high in processed food and genetic susceptibility are all coming together to fuel these numbers, says Pantai Hospital Melaka consultant endocrinologist Dr Vanusha Devaraja Pillai.
“It’s very common nowadays to see many young people with diabetes. We have a population with a strong genetic predisposition for diabetes, particularly due to family history and our daily routines also add to this risk.”
Heavily sweetened drinks, large portions of food and long hours of being sedentary are all risk factors.
Having a parent or a sibling with diabetes also increases the risk of developing the disease significantly.
Dr Vanusha says one doesn’t have to be overweight or obese to actually get diabetes.
What matters is the amount of fat around the person’s waist. However, thin people can also develop diabetes if they have abdominal fat.
“Abdominal obesity means a lot of fat is deposited on your organs and this leads to diabetes,” she says.
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SILENT DAMAGE
Many people live with diabetes without even realising they have the disease.
By the time they seek screening, the body has already struggled with insulin resistance for years.
“Being young doesn’t protect you either. In fact, many diabetics in Malaysia are below 40 years old.”
Diabetes can work very “quietly”, warns Dr Vanusha.
A person can have high blood sugar and still be well enough to work, look after their families and carry on as usual.
Complications can develop silently over time and may already be present when diabetes is first diagnosed.
Persistently high blood sugar can gradually damage the blood vessels and nerves and over time, this impacts the eyes, kidneys, heart and feet and some of this damage can be permanent, especially when detected late.
This is why an annual screening is important, she adds. Annual screening is generally recommended from 30 onwards and earlier if the individual has risk factors.
“When diabetes is detected early, we have a better chance of protecting the patient’s organs and preserving quality of life,” she says.
For many patients, the biggest fear is being put on medication for life and dealing with possible side effects, but Dr Vanusha says this warrants a proper discussion with their doctor.
Doctors should properly explain the medication routine, its benefits and possible side effects.
“If the medication doesn’t suit someone, we can always offer an alternative or adjust the dose, and it’s also important that their treatment plan be reviewed periodically.”
Lifestyle modifications should also be encouraged as part of the treatment approach.
Dr Vanusha says ultimately, patients should understand that diabetes is a disease that can be well managed and controlled with the right approach.
Patients should start early to take charge of the disease. Early treatment and good diabetes management can reduce complications and improve quality of life.
Some people with type 2 diabetes may achieve remission, but regular follow-up remains important.
meera@nst.com.my