Health experts have strongly urged the Malaysian government to take immediate action as the number of people suffering from diabetes continues to rise.
Data shows that approximately 21% of Malaysians, or one in every five people, are living with diabetes, marking an increase from 12.1% in 2011 and 19% in 2021, The Star reported.
This places Malaysia as the country with the 13th highest diabetes prevalence globally, up from 16th previously, according to World Bank data.
It also makes Malaysia the country with the highest diabetes prevalence in Southeast Asia, a record it held in both 2011 and 2021, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
Diabetes surges among youth
The rise in cases among young people and children has heightened concerns, with the Ministry of Health’s National Diabetes Registry Report 2023 showing that 289 individuals under 18 are living with diabetes, Bernama reported.
Separate data from the International Diabetes Federation shows that 977 children and teenagers under 18 have been diagnosed with the disease, indicating a worrying shift in the overall demographics.
Dr Raj Kumar also observed that more people in their late 20s and early 30s are being diagnosed with diabetes.
In addition, nearly 1.9 million individuals remain unaware that they are already suffering from diabetes.
Sedentary lifestyle, high sugar intake fuels the surge
Health experts attributed the steady increase in diabetes cases to widespread sedentary lifestyles and high sugar consumption.
They noted that many young Malaysians grew up surrounded by sweetened drinks and processed food readily available at home and in school cafeterias.
Teenagers and children also spend more time on electronic devices, reducing physical activity, weakening muscle function and increasing the risk of insulin resistance.
While these habits may not cause immediate harm, experts warn that the long-term impact gradually builds up until the body begins to struggle with glucose control.
Rising diabetes cases may strain public health system
Experts warned that the growing number of diabetes cases could put significant pressure on the public healthcare system, as the disease is linked to multiple complications.
Diabetes can lead to serious health problems such as kidney and heart disease, stroke, blindness, nerve damage and, in severe cases, amputation or lifelong dialysis.
With the possible rise in non-communicable diseases due to diabetes, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health expert Professor Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh cautioned that healthcare expenditure may continue to increase in the coming years to support diabetes treatment.
She added that these expenses cover only diabetes care and do not include additional costs linked to complications such as kidney failure and cardiovascular disease, which could further strain government finances.
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Calls to curb junk food, cut added sugar
This situation prompted the Consumers’ Association of Penang president Mohideen Abdul Kader urged the authorities to prohibit the sale of junk food in school canteens, stressing that healthy habits must start in educational institutions.
“The government should consider removing vending machines selling junk food and sugary drinks from hospitals, airports and schools and instead provide drinking water dispensers in these places,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Medical Association president Dr. R Thirunavukarasu urged the federal government to implement a 20-30% reduction in added sugar over the next three to five years.
“We must immediately cut down on sugar in our food and drinks. The food and beverage industry has to be part of the solution, not the problem,” he said.
Additionally, he called on authorities to launch annual health screenings to detect diabetes early and increase public awareness to influence health habits and lifestyle as part of a more holistic approach to combat the disease.
“Health is everyone’s responsibility. Only through a united, whole-of-society effort can we turn the tide against diabetes and protect the well-being of future generations,” he said.
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