Survey shows that 80% of Malaysians worry about diabetes

Sunway Healthcare Group (SHG) had kickstarted their KNOW Diabetes campaign with a nationwide survey last month that looked to gain insights in restricting the rising prevalence of the major noncommunicable disease.

The increase has resulted in Malaysia having the highest diabetes rate in the Western Pacific region and one of the highest worldwide.

The KNOW Diabetes campaign tackles a serious problem in Malaysia

According to the Ministry of Health’s National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, 15.6% of adults, or one in six, have diabetes, with 84% of young adults aged 18 to 29 unaware of their condition. By next year, seven million persons aged 18 and older are expected to be pre-diabetic or diabetic.

Diabetes prevalence increased from 11.2% in 2011 to 13.4% in 2015 and 18.3% in 2019, representing a total 68.3% rise. Held in conjunction with World Diabetes Day 2024, KNOW Diabetes and its “Prevention is Power” motto aim to reach out to communities, increase awareness, and educate Malaysians about the effects of diabetes.

The month-long campaign, from November 1 to November 30, 2024, corresponds with the World Health Organization’s overarching theme, which not only focuses on individual health but also the importance of communities working together to battle diabetes. The campaign focuses primarily on food education, and how simple dietary adjustments with an emphasis on nutritious food significantly reduces the risk of diabetes.

Survey shows we’re unhealthy because of peer pressure!?

A couple of months ago, Cilisos ran a survey to support the KNOW Diabetes campaign. It received over 1,000 responses, and let’s just say the results were eye-opening.

You can read our full findings below, or continue on for the highlights.

The answers revealed that… while 80% of respondents were worried about developing diabetes, they also pointed it to social anxiety. This means that they tend to consume meals that differed from their social circle.

There were also other economic and psychosocial factors to take into account, all which act as major hindrances to healthy eating. 54% of respondents listed economic issues and the belief that healthy food is expensive as their main reasons for not eating properly, while 50% claimed a lack of time due to personal situations or jobs, making it difficult to cook.

But what could be the key to us eating healthier? Peer pressure. Nearly 40% of respondents stated they would reduce their sugar intake with their partner or significant other if he or she wanted to go on a sugar-free diet.

Respondents in general also viewed healthy food as pricey and inaccessible, with 47% referring to it as “T20 food” (only for the atas peeps) and 59% stating that it is difficult to find at local restaurants. Additionally, 52% agreed that home-cooked meals is nutritious.

Whereas, 56% of them stated they would start taking exercise and workouts seriously if their coworkers went to the gym daily after work. (I only want to work out an appetite)

KNOW Diabetes’ comprehensive programme includes on-site activations at all SHG hospitals, media engagements, and social media content. Additionally, SHG will host social media contests to inspire Malaysians to create healthy, budget-friendly meals. They will also provide practical tips and techniques that promote healthy eating and reducing the risk of disease.

“Diabetes and its complications have not only affected thousands of Malaysians and severely impacted their health, quality of life and relationships, but also posed a significant burden on public health and socioeconomic development.”

Dato’ Lau Beng Long, SHG President

And if you want to calculate your chances of having Type 2 diabetes during the next five years, visit this site. P.S. check out our article on it here.