Diabetes M’sia: 1 in 5 suffer from ‘mother of all illnesses’
It (The figure) is probably one in six or seven (persons) for Kuching and Samarahan areas. Half of these (diabetics) are not aware they have the disease.
KUCHING: Twenty- one per cent of Malaysians suffer from diabetes which has been termed the ‘mother of all illnesses’, said Diabetes Malaysia Sarawak branch chairman Dr William Voon.
According to him, the number of diabetics in Sarawak, especially Kuching and Samarahan, is slightly lower than the national average of one in five Malaysians.
“It ( The figure) is probably one in six or seven ( persons) for Kuching and Samarahan areas. Half of these (diabetics) are not aware they have the disease,” he told reporters at a free health screening event at Bintawa Tian Hou Temple here yesterday.
Dr Voon said the statistics are based on the National Health and Morbidity Survey carried out in 2016.
He said for most cases, there are no symptoms of diabetes, hence the reason the disease is called a ‘silent killer’.
“Diabetes had been identified as the mother of all illnesses as it has become the common cause of other illnesses such as kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and even impotency.
“That is why it is important for
Dr William Voon, Diabetes Malaysia Sarawak branch chairman
people to go for regular health checks to determine whether they have diabetes,” he added.
He pointed out that health checks at the Diabetes Malaysia Sarawak branch centre is freeofcharge, adding the branch regularly holds programmes at shopping malls together with community-based organisations to raise awareness on diabetes.
“Our centre also organises a free exercise session every Thursday from 7pm to 8pm.”
The centre is located at Jalan Maxwell. Interested individuals can call Daniel on 082-239483 to learn more.
The half- day event yesterday was organised by Bintawa Community Association and supported by Diabetes Malaysia Sarawak.
Association chairman Tay Boon Sin said the event was part of a series of activities in conjunction with their 40th anniversary celebration.
He stressed the importance for the community to take care of their health amidst their hectic lifestyle.
Tay said people should avoid staying up late, skipping meals and snacking excessively, all of which could eventually lead to various diseases.
“We must go for health checkups regularly, and learn to look after ourselves well in order to have better days ahead,” he added.