ACCORDING to the National Diabetes Institute, Malaysia has the highest rate of diabetes in Asia and one of the highest in the world.
There are almost 2.5 million adults with diabetes, many of whom are aged 18 and above. This is worrying because young adults are an asset to the country. If they have diabetes in their young age, it will affect the nation’s productivity.
I feel there is inadequate information on this “silent killer”. The Health Ministry should provide more facts on diabetes and how to prevent it by practising a healthy diet and lifestyle, and reducing sugar consumption.
I notice that cafeterias in universities or institutions of higher learning, as well as fast food outlets, serve food that is extremely sweet and high in carbohydrate. This will significantly raise blood sugar levels in diabetics. Such food outlets must be encouraged to provide healthier low-carb food choices and reduce sugar content in drinks.
Diabetes is one of four major non-communicable diseases (the others are cardiovascular, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases). It is a chronic condition that occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin produced by the body (insulin is the hormone that regulates blood sugar or glucose from the food eaten by the person).
So diabetes is a result of high blood sugar levels, which, if not controlled, may cause serious damage to the body system.
MOHAMAD AMIR ASHRAF BASIRUN
UiTM Shah Alam, Selangor