Consultant nephrologist and kidney transplant physician Dr Rosnawati Yahya emphasised the severe health risks associated with excessive sugar consumption, saying close to half of all dialysis patients have diabetes.
“High sugar intake results in obesity because of excess calories, which could lead to diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, fatty liver, and breathing issues, which are all interrelated,” she told Bernama.
“We just need 1,800-2,000 kilocalories a day, so any excess will be deposited as fat. This results in abdominal and visceral fat, and the development of insulin resistance.”
Rosnawati, who has over 25 years of experience in nephrology, explained that insulin resistance occurs when the liver, as well as muscle and fat, fails to respond properly to insulin, preventing it from absorbing glucose from the blood. This ultimately leads to diabetes.
Left unmanaged, prolonged diabetes can severely damage the kidneys, significantly raising the risk of kidney failure. Genetic factors may also make certain individuals more susceptible to diabetes and kidney disease at an earlier age.
Protein in the urine – a condition known as proteinuria – is the first sign of kidney damage from diabetes. Patients, however, are usually asymptomatic at this stage, although some may notice bubbles in their urine.
In the later stages of kidney disease, symptoms such as leg swelling, nausea, vomiting and poor appetite may appear, she added.
“Longtime diabetics also have an increased risk of macro- and microvascular complications,” Rosnawati said. “Microvascular complications affect the blood vessels in the kidneys, resulting in kidney failure, as well as the blood vessels in the eyes. This is known as diabetic retinopathy, which could lead to blindness.”
She noted that excess sugar intake not only leads to diabetes but also increases oxidative stress in the body, reducing its ability to fight against diseases.
“So the best thing is to reduce your daily sugar intake or, even better, train yourself not to consume sugar at all,” she said.
She further encourages at-risk individuals to regularly undergo blood and urine tests to monitor kidney health. In addition, regular exercise, mindful eating, and tracking daily calorie intake can reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and kidney damage.
Regarding the recent sugar tax imposed by the government on sugary beverages, Rosnawati commended the initiative and emphasised the need for greater public awareness of healthy eating habits.
She suggested that food operators should control portions and display calorie counts on menus to help consumers make more informed choices, and called for broader measures to improve the overall lifestyles of Malaysians and their health.
Rosnawati also recommended that employers develop a healthier workplace by offering nutritious food options and promoting physical activity, such as rewarding employees for reaching a daily step goal before work.