On this World Diabetes Day, we must face the harsh reality that, in Malaysia, the disease has become more prevalent, rising seven percentage points in the last ten years.
Additionally, among South-East Asian nations, we have the highest incidence of cases.
In 2021, about 19% of our population had diabetes, up from 12.1% in 2011. This implies that roughly one in five Malaysians suffer from diabetes.
According to data from the World Bank, this 6.9 percentage point increase was also the biggest spike among the 10 Asean countries.
We rank among the top 20 globally as well. Out of 226 nations and territories, Malaysia was placed 16th in the world.
Our nearest neighbors lag far behind us, with a prevalence of 11.6% in Singapore, 11.1% in Brunei, 10.6% in Indonesia, and 9.7% in Thailand.
Pakistan topped the list, with 30.8% of its 20–79 year old population suffering from the illness in 2021.
We need to alter our lifestyle and diet.
According to Dr. Azizan Abdul Aziz, president of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), despite the sobering statistics, it is not surprising that Malaysia has the highest diabetes prevalence in South-East Asia.
Seven teaspoons of sugar are consumed daily by the average adult in Malaysia.
She cited data from the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey 2002/2003 and said, “Of this, four teaspoons are table sugar while another three are from sweetened condensed milk added into beverages.”
Furthermore, Dr. Azizan emphasized that the majority of Malaysian cuisine, including mainstays like white rice, noodles, and flatbreads, was carbohydrate-based.
A diet heavy in carbohydrates may elevate blood sugar levels.
The fact that food is accessible around-the-clock in the nation is also unhelpful. Eating at night can also raise your risk of diabetes,” the speaker continued.
Vice-president of Diabetes Malaysia Jong Koi Chong stated that a variety of factors could be responsible for the country’s startlingly high prevalence of the illness in comparison to its neighboring nations.
The main causes include dietary practices, sedentary lifestyles, genetic predispositions, and fast urbanization.
Together, these elements foster an atmosphere that is conducive to the development of diabetes.
“To address these issues and promote a healthier way of life, more comprehensive steps need to be introduced,” he declared.
As stated in Budget 2024, one of the government’s suggested actions is to raise the excise duty on sugar-filled beverages from 40 sen to 50 sen per liter.
The money raised from this kind of tax can then be used to support dialysis facilities and treat diabetes.
According to Jong, Diabetes Malaysia was in favor of the action and thought it would greatly discourage Malaysians from consuming excessive amounts of sugar.
“Although it might not completely resolve the issue, this action is in line with worldwide initiatives to encourage better eating habits and lower the intake of sugar-filled drinks,” he continued.
Calling the higher excise duty a step in the right direction, Dr Azizan said ultimately, it was the lifestyle changes among the Malaysian public that will truly make a difference.
“We need to address lifestyle and the daily food and beverage consumption habits of Malaysians,” she urged.
