KUALA LUMPUR: It is estimated that one in five adults worldwide will suffer from diabetes by 2020.
Malaysia, in particular, has a high prevalence of diabetes and currently, 3.6 million or 17.5 per cent of Malaysians are diagnosed with type II diabetes – 1.78 million of them being women.
Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company, has collaborated with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) every year to raise awareness on prevention and early detection of diabetes in the country.
This year, with the theme of Women and Diabetes, Novo Nordisk linked arms with the Putrajaya Hospital to educate Malaysians on gestational diabetes, including identifying those who are at higher risk, how to manage blood sugar levels during pregnancy, and the importance of disease screening.
According to the latest report from the National Obstetrics Registry in 2010, the local incidence rate of diabetes in pregnancy stands at 9.9 per cent.
Putrajaya Hospital Malaysian Endocrine and Metabolic Society and Consultant Endocrinologist secretary Dr Nurain Mohd Noor said gestational diabetes is a temporary condition, but carries a significant long-term risk of type II diabetes for both the mother and child.
“Some of the primary risk factors include older family history of diabetes, gestational diabetes during previous pregnancy, a history of stillbirth, or giving birth to an infant with congenital abnormality.
"Raising awareness of gestational diabetes amongst women and their partners is integral to ensuring early detection and management.
“Women who are vulnerable to the risk factors of gestational diabetes should consult their doctor if they are planning to get pregnant to ensure that they receive guidance and support in managing their blood sugar,” she added.