KUALA LUMPUR: SOME 3,000 amputations are performed annually in Malaysia as a result of diabetes.
And the most worrying aspect of this is that the numbers are set to rise drastically if Malaysians continue to be complacent about their health.
“Simply put, Malaysians eat too much, consume more sugar than many of our neighbours in the region and are paying a heavy price for their sedentary lifestyle.
“There are thousands of Malaysians walking around without realising that they are either diabetic or pre-diabetic because of their poor lifestyle choices,” said Dr Siva Poobalasingam, managing director of Amrita Integrative Health Centre.
“Malaysians are walking a tightrope. Those who know that they are diabetic refuse to change their eating and lifestyle habits while some are just ignorant about how dangerous their condition can be if it is not controlled.”
Dr Siva said people with diabetes do not realise that the disease has three other “best friends” which are hypertension, increased cholesterol levels and heart condition.
“Complacency is the reason many diabetics end up in even more serious condition.
“Even after they are diagnosed with diabetes, they continue to indulge in sugary drinks, like teh tarik which has about seven teaspoons of sugar, and rice.
“Diabetics must understand that once they have the disease, there are some lifestyle modifications that are needed to have a better quality of life.
“With diabetes, a person stands an 80 per cent chance of having heart disease.”
Currently, it is estimated that there are 240 million diabetics worldwide and by 2025, the number might increase to 350 million.
Malaysia is ranked sixth in Asia and 17th in the world for its diabetic population. Other countries high on the list are India, China, Indonesia, Pakistan and Russia.
“Many of the countries that are high up in the scale are large countries with huge populations.
“And for a country with a small population like Malaysia, it is definitely worrying to have a high number of diabetics.
“What is puzzling is that Malaysians are not taking diabetes seriously.
“Diabetics, as is the norm with most Malaysians, are eating too much and annually more and more people in their 20’s and 30’s are diagnosed as diabetics.”
Dr Siva said Malaysians must realise that health is wealth and with that in mind, they should make sensible food choices.
Instead of eating more rice, roti canai, burgers and other high calorie-content foods, Dr Siva suggests that they opt for healthier options like including more lean meats and plenty of vegetables and fruits in their diet.
“Malaysians should also consume less sugar and salt. I know Malaysia is a food haven but we should not spend most of our time eating.
“We have to allocate time for exercise on a daily basis. Do not lead a sedentary lifestyle because it will take a toll on your health.”
Exercise is also known to improve blood glucose levels in diabetics, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improve insulin sensitivity and protects the heart.
“There are a few Olympic medal-winning athletes diagnosed with diabetes who have managed their condition well.
“At the end of the day, Malaysians have choices to manage diabetes well. Ignorance is no excuse.”