3 Strategies to Enhance Diabetes Care in Malaysia
Managing diabetes poses significant challenges, often leaving patients grappling with both the financial burdens and the complexities of proper management. Timely for World Diabetes Day (WDD), Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) introduced innovative diabetes solutions utilizing cutting-edge technology, aimed at empowering patients to better regulate their glucose levels. SJMC recently completed a successful Clinical Improvement Project focused on ‘Reducing Early Morning In-Patient Hypoglycaemia Incidence,’ employing a multidisciplinary approach to elevate diabetes wellness through technology and precision care.
Combating diabetes in Malaysia
Malaysia faces a persistent surge in diabetes cases. “The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019 reports that approximately 18.3% or 3.9 million Malaysian adults aged 18 and above suffer from diabetes, with half unaware of their condition. This alarming statistic reflects a concerning trend as diabetes can lead to life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness,” highlighted Professor Emeritus Dr. Chan Siew Pheng, Consultant Endocrinologist at SJMC.
Elevating diabetes management through technology
Ms. Yong Lai Mee, the Diabetes Care Services Manager at SJMC, emphasized the pivotal role of advanced technology in preventing and managing diabetes amidst today’s fast-paced lifestyle. “Educating the public about diabetes risk factors and the significance of early detection is paramount. Awareness that knowledge and technology serve as primary defenses against this chronic condition is crucial.”
SJMC has adopted the use of the innovative 780G Hybrid Automated Insulin Pump. This pump autonomously halts insulin delivery during low blood glucose levels and administers small insulin doses every five minutes during high levels, aiming to achieve the desired blood glucose range. This innovation particularly benefits individuals with Type 1 diabetes.
Furthermore, SJMC provides patients access to Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) technology for remote data analysis and diabetes management guidance. With CGM, patients no longer require finger pricks for blood glucose monitoring. Instead, a small sensor worn on the arm continuously tracks blood glucose levels, transmitting the data to a smartphone app. This enables patients to monitor their levels round-the-clock and take necessary actions for optimal diabetes control.
Mitigating hypoglycaemia
In addition to the implementation of advanced technology, precision care holds significant importance in diabetes management. SJMC recently completed a successful Clinical Improvement Project focused on ‘Reducing Early Morning In-Patient Hypoglycaemia Incidence.’
The research revealed that offering a pre-bed snack to patients at risk of hypoglycaemia can reduce early morning hypoglycaemia occurrences (between 4:00 am to 8:00 am). In a 24-week post-intervention audit involving 431 diabetic patients, the incidents of hypoglycaemia drastically dropped to just 14%, accompanied by a 22% relative reduction in early morning hypoglycaemia.
Notably, patients adhering to the recommended snack regimen experienced zero hypoglycaemic incidents, with 56% maintaining blood glucose levels within the target range compared to a 61% risk in those patients who did not receive the snacks. Hypoglycaemia heightens in-patient mortality risk, emphasizing the significance of optimal glycaemic control for wound healing and immune function in diabetic patients.
SJMC received the Best Poster Award at the Diabetes Asia 2023 Conference for this groundbreaking research, showcasing their unwavering commitment to advancing the understanding of diabetes and pioneering innovative solutions.
A healthy lifestyle, foundation for diabetes prevention
A healthy lifestyle stands as the cornerstone for preventing, managing, and delaying diabetes complications. Obesity or overweight conditions are recognized as primary factors contributing to Type 2 Diabetes. Approximately 54.2% of Malaysian adults are overweight or obese, marking a 4% increase from NHMS 2019 findings.
“In our current era, we possess more effective tools than ever before to manage diabetes, thanks to advanced technology. Let’s unite in combating diabetes and strive to create a healthier, brighter future for ourselves and the generations ahead,” concluded Professor Emeritus Dr. Chan Siew Pheng.
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