In August, health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad was quoted as saying one out of six Malaysians has diabetes. The good news is, this condition can be prevented if the public takes note of prediabetes symptoms: early warning signs of a possible future diagnosis of diabetes.
Prediabetes is a condition where a person’s blood sugar levels are relatively elevated, but not high enough to be categorised as diabetes. According to consultant endocrinologist Dr Teoh Wei Leng, prediabetes usually does not present with symptoms.
However, when symptoms do occur, they may include frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, numbness in the hands or feet, slow-healing wounds, and/or unexpected weight loss.
“There are also certain signs that can indicate prediabetes, such as having patches of skin on the neck, armpits or groin that are darker than other areas of the body,” she told Bernama.
While prediabetes does not always progress to diabetes, it is crucial for individuals to manage the condition. “According to the American Diabetes Association, those aged 45 who are identified as having prediabetes have a 9-14% risk of developing diabetes within 10 years,” Teoh noted.
What is more concerning, she said, is that an increasing number of young people in Malaysia, including children, are being diagnosed with prediabetes, particularly those who are overweight.
Teoh explained that individuals with unmanaged prediabetes are at a greater risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which could trigger other health complications.
“Type-2 diabetes is a lifelong disease where the body either cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively. Insulin resistance or deficiency can cause blood sugar levels to become excessively high.
“High blood sugar is toxic to blood vessels and internal organs. Therefore, diabetes can also affect other organs, ultimately leading to conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cholesterol problems, hypertension and kidney disease,” she outlined.
Last year, the health ministry revealed that the government spends RM4.9 billion annually to manage diabetes, with an estimated 3.9 million adults currently living with the disease.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019, the prevalence of diabetes among adults aged 18 and above has been on an upward trend – from 11.2% in 2011 to 13.4% in 2015 and 18.3% in 2019.
“Type-2 diabetes is mainly attributed to our diet and lifestyle. As such, the best treatment for diabetes patients is to lose weight, adopt a healthier lifestyle by engaging in physical activity, and to maintain a balanced diet,” Teoh concluded.