Essential Diabetes Information for Every Malaysian
Diabetes and heart disease are two prevalent cause of death1 in Malaysia that can be managed effectively with the right information and care.
Disclaimer:
The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It does not endorse or promote any specific medication or brand.
How Does Diabetes Hurt Your Body?
Both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels or hyperglycaemia. Too much glucose acts like a toxin leading to damage of the walls of blood vessels.
How Is Diabetes Linked To Heart Disease?
Damaged blood vessel walls lead to fatty plaque build-up or atherosclerosis. In the heart, narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries causes heart disease and heart attacks because oxygen cannot reach the heart muscle properly.
Do I Have Diabetes?
Unlike Type 1 Diabetes, people can have Type 2 Diabetes for many years without even realising it. This is because the signs and symptoms can be vague and easily missed such as blurry vision, tiredness, excessive thirst, frequent urination and slow-healing wounds.
Am I At Risk Of Having Diabetes?
A significant number of type 2 diabetes cases in Malaysia are linked to being overweight, a condition intensified by unhealthy lifestyles and poor dietary habits. Genetics and physical inactivity also play crucial roles in the onset of this health issue. A study found that individuals with a high body fat percentage face an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, even if their BMI is within the normal range2.
Meet Dr.Ain..
At the Aesthetic Obesity Colloquium, Dr. Ain presented to an audience of fellow doctors, sharing insights on achieving meaningful weight loss beyond traditional diet and exercise. As one of the first doctors in Malaysia to adopt Saxenda following its introduction in 2018, Dr. Ain’s talk, explored evidence-based approaches to weight management and highlighted comprehensive strategies that support both physical health and long-term metabolic goals.
Type 2 Diabetes Self-Test
This Body Fat Percentage calculator3 is tailored for Asians, offering a quick and easy way to evaluate your health status and potential diabetes risk. For males with a body fat percentage above 25% and females above 30%, the risk of diabetes is heightened.
Body Fat Percentage Calculator
| Gender | Underweight | Normal | Overweight | Obese |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | < 15% | 15-25% | 26-30% | > 30% |
| Female | < 20% | 20-30% | 31-35% | > 35% |
Getting Diagnosed
If you suspect you have type 2 diabetes (diabetes mellitus – DM), the only way to detect and diagnose diabetes is to get a blood test. Blood sugar levels can be taken at different times such as early morning (fasting blood glucose) or anytime after eating (random blood glucose). The HbA1c test can also tell how much glucose has been attached to your red blood cells over the past 2 to 3 months.
Can I use a Blood Glucose Monitor to Test?
Blood glucose monitors are portable tools commonly used for quick, on-the-spot blood sugar level checks. While they are helpful for immediate insights and monitoring diabetes, they are not substitutes for professional medical tests and consultations required for an accurate diagnosis.
How To Address Type 2 Diabetes?
One of the most important ways to address Diabetes is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes diet modification, weight loss and exercise. However, some people with Type 2 Diabetes will need to take either oral medication, injectable medication or in combination to manage their blood sugar levels.
Latest Approaches to Managing Type 2 Diabetes In Malaysia
Type 2 diabetes management has evolved significantly in recent years. In addition to established medications such as Metformin, Sulfonylureas, and Insulin, newer classes of medications are also available. These include SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are highlighted in the Malaysian Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes (6th Edition).
These medications, when prescribed by healthcare professionals, are part of a comprehensive approach to diabetes care that may also include lifestyle adjustments, diet, and exercise. For more information on the most appropriate treatment options for you, consult your healthcare provider.
Meet Dr.Ain..
At the Aesthetic Obesity Colloquium, Dr. Ain presented to an audience of fellow doctors, sharing insights on achieving meaningful weight loss beyond traditional diet and exercise. As one of the first doctors in Malaysia to adopt Saxenda following its introduction in 2018, Dr. Ain’s talk, explored evidence-based approaches to weight management and highlighted comprehensive strategies that support both physical health and long-term metabolic goals.
