Study: Rising diabetes in Malaysia; food costs, social pressure hinder healthy choices

November 13, 2024

As Malaysia grapples with a soaring diabetes rate — the highest in the Western Pacific and among the highest globally — Sunway Healthcare Group (SHG) is stepping up with its “Know Diabetes” campaign. The initiative, launched in conjunction with World Diabetes Day 2024, aims to raise awareness and provide practical tips on how Malaysians can prevent diabetes through simple lifestyle changes, focusing heavily on food education and healthier choices.

With diabetes rates rising from 11.2% in 2011 to 18.3% in 2019, Malaysia’s Ministry of Health projects that up to seven million adults could be prediabetic or diabetic by next year. SHG’s campaign highlights the urgency of addressing this trend and encourages Malaysians to take control of their health.

The month-long campaign, commencing from 1-30 November, follows a nationwide survey conducted by SHG, which revealed that while 80% of respondents worry about developing diabetes, many face barriers to healthier eating. Social pressure, time constraints, and perceptions of high costs for healthy food make it challenging for many to adopt better dietary habits.

Nearly half of the participants viewed nutritious food as expensive or inaccessible, often labeling it as a luxury for wealthier individuals. Despite these concerns, more than half still believe that home-cooked meals are a healthier option.

Economic factors and the assumption that healthy food is expensive were cited as the biggest hindrances for 54% of respondents for not eating healthily, followed by a lack of time for 50% due to individual circumstances and work, both which posed a challenge for them to cook.

Interestingly, the survey found that social dynamics could also drive healthier behavior. About 40% of respondents said they would reduce sugar intake if their partner did the same, and 56% indicated they would consider regular exercise if their colleagues visited the gym after work. SHG sees this as a potential avenue for encouraging collective, supportive actions among Malaysians.

Practical tips for diabetes prevention
SHG’s President, Dato’ Lau Beng Long, emphasized that informed choices, especially around food, play a critical role in diabetes prevention. The “Prevention is Power” message aims to educate the public on the importance of healthy eating. The campaign offers practical advice, such as:

1. Choose nutritious, budget-friendly meals that can be prepared at home.
2. Cut down on sugar intake, particularly in social settings where peer support can make a difference.
3. Incorporate regular exercise into daily routines, even if it’s as simple as joining colleagues for a workout.

Online tools are available
To make diabetes prevention more accessible, SHG has introduced a risk calculator on their campaign website, helping individuals assess their chances of developing Type 2 diabetes over the next five years. The initiative also includes social media contests promoting healthy, affordable recipes and tips on childhood nutrition to instill better habits early on.

The “Know Diabetes” initiative not only aligns with the World Health Organization’s focus on individual and community health but also reaffirms SHG’s commitment to improving the well-being of Malaysians through education and support.

Tags: diabetes, featured, food costs, health, healthy food, Sunway Healthcare group