More than two million Malaysians are unaware
that they are diabetic, said Deputy Health Minister Rosnah Abdul Rashid
Shirlin.
This is
because they have not had regular medical check-ups.
“A
study has revealed that more than two million people who have high glucose
levels in their blood are unaware that they have a problem.
“What
is shocking is that these people have not gone for their regular medical
check-ups to know of their latest health status,” she said at the opening of
the Diabetes Awareness Campaign at SK Kuala Perai in Bagan Dalam near here
yesterday.
She
said diabetes was a “silent disease” and patients would usually only come to
know of their condition seven to 10 years later.
The
event was jointly organised by the Diabetes Council of Malaysia and drinking
water manufacturer ECPI.
More
than 30 senior citizens in Bagan Dalam received spectacles while students with
excellent results in the UPSR, PMR and SPM examinations received cash rewards
and bicycles at the function.
Rosnah
said that in 2006, 1.5 million people were diagnosed as diabetic but in 2011,
the figure had increased to three million people.
“The
number will continue to rise if the people fail to change their eating habits
and lifestyles,” she added.
She
advised Malaysians to reduce their sugar consumption and to exercise regularly
to stay healthy.
News
Desk
The
Star
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