Diabetes is one of the four main types of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). There are two types of diabetes, which are Type-1 diabetes (usually appears in children or adolescents that occurs because of the inability of pancreas to produce sufficient insulin that is needed by the body) and Type-2 diabetes (usually developed later in life and occurs due to not enough insulin production by the body or insulin resistance to maintain normal blood glucose level).
With that being said, another type of diabetes called gestational diabetes, can also develop in pregnant women due to an inability of the body to produce enough insulin to manage higher blood glucose level. Although the blood glucose level will return to normal after the pregnancy, most mothers have a higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes later in life.
According to the WHO (World Health Organization), diabetes has caused 1.5 million deaths as per April 2021 globally. In Malaysia, approximately 3.9 million Malaysians have been diagnosed with diabetes as of 2019, with a prevalence rate of 18.3 percent, a 4.9 percent increase from 2015. The number of diabetics in Malaysia is also projected to rise in the following year.
Understanding the risk factors and more!
Another survey conducted from 12 April until 9 May 2021 by Malaysian Diabetes Index (MDI) under the Beyond Sugar campaign that is supported by AstraZeneca in partnership with the Malaysian Endocrine & Metabolic Society (MEMS), showed shocking results as well.
The survey found that Malaysians are aware of the risk factors of diabetes, which are obesity, lack of exercise, high calorie diet, and family history, while excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are the least known. Despite that, interestingly 52 percent from 2,539 respondents don’t know that diabetes cannot be cured. Furthermore, 51 percent of respondents think that diabetes isn’t hard to manage, while 37 percent of diabetic respondents don’t know what abnormal blood sugar levels are.
Apart from that, 37 percent of the respondents believe limiting sugar is enough, while the cause of diabetes isn’t only sugar. The risk factors of diabetes include being overweight, genetics (hereditary), lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet (diet high in carbohydrate, sugar, fat and oil), age (people aged 45 and above are more prone to diabetes), smoking and alcohol consumption.
Diabetes complications
Being an incurable disease, diabetes can also lead to health complications, namely amputations, kidney disease, heart problems, blindness, and nerve damage. Based on the survey, 95% of the respondents are aware that diabetes can lead to amputations, followed by eye damage (93%), kidney damage (90%), nerve damage (84%), and heart disease (75%). Not only that, only 50% of respondents under 24 years old know about it. These results indicate that Malaysians are aware about the basics of diabetes, but in-depth understanding is needed.
Take action, take charge
With that being said, it’s worth noting that although diabetes is incurable, Type-2 diabetes and gestational diabetes are preventable. Therefore, it is recommended to:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Follow doctor’s prescribed medication.
- Be physically active.
- Practice a healthy healthy diet.
- Manage your blood pressure.
- Manage your cholesterol levels.
- Avoid smoking.
- Schedule routine medical checkups.
For diabetic patients, it is crucial to manage diabetes to avoid possible diabetes-related complications. Type-2 diabetes management include:
- Weight loss to help in controlling your blood sugar levels, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.
- Practising a healthy and balanced diet by cutting down refined carbohydrates and saturated fats while consuming more whole foods (such as fruits).
- Exercise regularly where it is recommended to exercise 150 minutes per week.
- Medication or insulin therapy for patients who are unable to reach the targeted blood sugar level even after practising a healthy lifestyle.
- Monitor your blood sugar as a way to check if the treatment plan is effective.
- Regular checkups to check your health and possible issues in your vital organs.
Diabetes management is crucial to maintain your quality of life. Some individuals may not know that they are living with diabetes and therefore, it is important to test your blood sugar levels regularly. You can easily do so when visiting your community pharmacy as most pharmacies do offer this service at no cost! Plus, your community pharmacist will be able to guide you on the right steps to take if attention is needed to manage your blood sugar levels.
